The Luxury Network Qatar Magazine Issue 01 by The Luxury Network

t he q ata r e di t ion

Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Art of Business ISSUE 01 | MAR - APR 2021

2nd Anniversary, Alwadi Hotel Doha MGallery

Immerse in an unparalleled level of luxury and five-star service, offering well-appointed rooms with panoramic views of Dohaʼs skyline and a unique culinary experience. Experience contemporary living rooted in heritage and Qatari hospitality with an inspired stay at Alwadi Hotel Doha MGallery. Msheireb Downtown Doha | Email: reservations.alwadihotel@accor.com | Tel: +974 4009 9999

MGALLERY. STORIES THAT STAY

Why Join The Luxury Network? The Luxury Network has been recognized by the British media as ‘the world’s leading luxury affinity marketing group’ and one of the most innovative formulas for the development of new businesses between luxury brands which share the same values, customers and target audience. We build meaningful business relationships and connections in the HNW and UNHW space with over 28 global offices and 500 exclusive member brands worldwide. With over a decade of experience in the international luxury industry facilitating access to new high-net-worth individuals, our team has developed thousands of strategies for countless companies. The importance of top-end strategic alliances for financial success is indisputable and yet most companies don’t have the time or the resources to create such ongoing business relationships. We are armed with the right connections to help you form new business alliances with many other luxury brands, to reach each other’s HNW pre-qualified private clients, and showcase your brand’s services and products at our luxury B2C sales or private client events. You will get the opportunity to entertain your clients and invite your prospects to our of B2C luxury events. The Luxury Network’s team will perform as your extended marketing arm to orchestrate successful collaborations by working closely with your own personal The Luxury Network account manager to develop your business and identify your targets. For more reasons to join The Luxury Network, please visit our website testimonials and success stories section. You may join The Luxury Network by filling in the form at www.tlnint.com/contact-us or email us at info@tlnint.com and we will take care of the rest for you. www.tln i n t.c om

highlights ISSUE 1 | Mar - Apr 2021

The New Sleek Smartwatch by Montblanc Summit Lite: Find Your Balance

Qatar Executive Introduces The Diamond Agreement: An Unparalleled Private Jet Travel Programme

Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Making a Difference in Qatar and Beyond

Chopard: Precious Lace Collection

Dior Unveils its New B27 Sneakers

Dolce & Gabbana and Smeg

Fairmont & Raffles: The New Hospitality Icon of The 21st Century

108 Midwood Istanbul Film Studio Complex & Luxury Complex A Gift to the Film Studio Industry Globally, from Turkey to the World 110 ‘What If?’ Art Exhibition Curated by Qatari Visual Artist Muna Al-Bader 116

The All-New Mercedes-Benz S-Class Lands in Doha

“Find your special niche and pursue your aspiration wherever you are.” The Luxury Network Academy is an educational initiative to individuals who are interested in joining the growing community of the luxury industry. In times of downsizing, global unemployment, and never-ending quality pressures, the need for protecting high standards in marketing sectors is being compromised. Therefore, The Luxury Network International is launching a world-class digital application to bring to its members and public, training videos from iconic professionals who contributed to putting standards in their field and entrepreneurship in all sectors.

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MEET THE SOON-TO-BE ICONIC EXCALIBUR DOUBLE FLYING TOURBILLON Enter the future of hyper horlogery with architectural mastery, stunning design and innovative spirit

oger Dubuis has consistently demonstrated its penchant for excess and extravaganza. An inclination matched by a fearless determination to challenge the rules through a resolutely expressive and contemporary approach. This serial innovative mind-set results from visionary engineers and incredible watchmakers combining radical expertise. It is nourished by a daily obsession for designing and creating the future of Haute Horlogerie. Serving aesthetics through technical skills, reinventing tradition by unleashing creativity to push all boundaries, Roger Dubuis proudly introduces the latest interpretation of its iconic Excalibur

collection, reserved for an exclusive tribe. Since 2005, Roger Dubuis has been shaking up the world of Haute Horlogerie with its artistic skeleton design, regularly reinterpreted by disruptive materials and designs. For the new Excalibur Skeleton Double Flying Tourbillon, the goal was to optimise each of its components so as to offer the members of a hedonistic tribe a watch entirely aligned with their desires and their lifestyle. An ideal blend of design, performance and comfort. The eminently contemporary architectural calibre powering this

latest model represents Roger Dubuis’ extreme obsession with rewriting the codes of an institution that it dares to defy. Impelled by intense expertise and a relentless determination to achieve new feats, the Maison has reinvented its signature double tourbillon. The enhancements give this watch an up-to-the-minute edge, both design-wise and technically. With the Excalibur Skeleton Double Flying Tourbillon, Roger Dubuis sets itself the exciting challenge of changing perceptions. The skeleton structure concept has been pushed to its limits to provide a dynamic aesthetic. Clean-cut lines with polished angles create the impression of a sleeker look and feel. This visual trick is implemented on every component, offering striking evidence of a modern interpretation. Entirely rebuilt in terms of volume, the movement inexorably height-

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ens the sense of transparency and depth. The latter quality is boldly highlighted by the iconic Roger Dubuis star, released from its functional role within the movement base. Lodged between flange and plate, criss-crossing bridges placed on different levels, it now levitates freely above the barrel, to stunning effect. This dynamic aesthetic is amplified by the Hallmark of Geneva decorations, each carefully chosen to serve the movement’s aesthetic and technical aspects. Every single detail has been meticulously designed and mastered to ensure that peerless technical prowess is matched by equally spectacular aesthetics. Exemplifying an unwavering determination to provide its tribe of clients with the best possible experience, Roger Dubuis has radically enhanced the

flange, hours-wheel bar, bezel and crown. To maximise comfort, the range of sizes for the strap ensures the buckle is always perfectly centred on the client’s wrist, while the Quick Release System for the interchangeable straps offers maximum flexibility.

power reserve to a generous 72 hours. To achieve this, the manufacturers have successfully reduced the weight of the tourbillions through selective use of anti-magnetic materials. Featuring a lower cage made of titanium (twice as light as stainless steel) and an upper one in mirror-polished cobalt chrome. Both also feature the edgy new cut-tip take on the distinctive fluted pattern also appearing on other elements such as the star,

In a powerful display of the Maison’s call to live larger than life, the Excalibur Skeleton Double Flying Tourbillon represents a peerless blend of visual strength and technical performance. Available in eightpiece white and pink gold editions, as well as a limited version full-set with baguette-cut diamonds, this model offers an artistic and uncompromising demonstration of advanced mechanics in action, vividly confirming that you haven’t seen anything until you’ve seen this. by Narges Raiss 11

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RICHARD MILLE 71-02 AUTOMATIC TOURBILLON TALISMAN THE QUINTESSENCE OF AN ERA

profusion of light in prismatic colours. An eruption of coloured stones. Two years after the black and white shades of the RM 71-01, the brand new RM 71-02 Automatic Tourbillon Talisman collection brings colour to its apotheosis in the Richard Mille universe. A collection of ten models, each presented in a limited edition of 7 pieces, imbued with the quintessence of the ’70s. The new RM 71-02 Automatic Tourbillon Talisman erupts in coloured stones, drawing on the untamed energy and raw glamour of the 1970s, and the timeless and indomitable freedom this decade rep-

resents. These are the years most closely identified with the rise of club culture, the roots of electronic and disco music, and an urban tribe that showed its most brilliant plumage only after sunset. When is a watch more than a watch? When it’s alive! Each RM 71-02 Automatic Tourbillon Talisman timepiece is exuberantly distinct from its fellows, with a unique personality defined by choice of colour, a highly symbolic use of stones, and the differing geometries of their bezels and dial elements. Conjuring a group of powerful women, each with her own strengths and beauty, Cécile Guenat, director of creation

RM 71-02 Automatic Tourbillon Talisman "Liz & Jane" 12

and development, gave each model a name that deliberately acknowledges the empowerment. “I immediately drawn to a very specific cultural era for inspiration very early on in the process; I was in a Studio 54 state of mind—listening to disco, funk and R&B. This collection is so different from anything we’d done before, even if we had used some coloured stones in previous watches. The Bonbon collection helped us introduce this colourful and fun aesthetic to our audiences, and we decided to continue in that way”. The singular character of each watch is reinforced by the highly symbolic choice of stones.

RM 71-02 “Jessica, Paloma & Donna”

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Likewise, each dial bears an additional complement of ornamental stones around the talismanic core of the watch: hematite for strength, malachite for inner balance, lapis lazuli for vision, sugilite for protection and pink opal for healing…

More than six months in total were spent researching and confirming the placement of the stones in their final configuration. As in watchmaking, so it is with sertissage—the highest level of skill is to make perfection seem effortless.

The models differ in the arrangement of their stones, their setting pattern, their engraving and the central decoration of the dial. The 10 variations on the setting, snow and grain, bring together different textures, faceting, finding free expression all over the case and bezel of the watch, whereas the caseback is engraved with matt bands.

They all contain the self-winding inhouse CRMT1 tourbillon calibre with a diamond-set oscillating weight. It is a true technical achievement, given that the tourbillon mechanism is integrated into the heart of a movement only 6.2 mm thick and weighing just 8 grams. Developed for daily wear, this calibre reaffirms Richard Mille’s unwavering commitment to

the pursuit of extreme mechanical innovation. Complementing the RM 71-02 Automatic Tourbillon Talisman collection is a full series of coloured metallic patent leather, embossed with understated botanical motifs at 12 o’clock and geometric motifs at 6 o’clock to set off their jewelled cases. The design anticipates straps that exhibit two different tonal each, starting with one colour above the case and ending with a contrasting shade. In another first in a Richard Mille collection, metallic leather treatment reinforce the impact of the coloured stones, channelling the glamour of 1970s fashion. by Narges Raiss

RM 71-02 Automatic Tourbillon Talisman “Liz” 13

THE NEW SLEEK SMARTWATCH BY MONTBLANC SUMMIT LITE: FIND YOUR BALANCE Montblanc expands its wearable assortment with a sleek smartwatch built for those who strive for better health, physical performance and overall wellbeing

ith the introduction of the Summit Lite smartwatch, Montblanc brings a burst of energy to its expanding Summit smartwatch lineup. Conceived for an emerging generation of luxury smartwatch users seeking wearables that match their healthy and active lifestyles, the watch distinguishes itself from other Montblanc wearables with its fresh, disruptive design and streamlined functionalities to assist with fitness, performance and wellbeing. “With the renewed focus on health, fitness, mindfulness and wellbeing we are witnessing today, our goal was to create a smartwatch that had just the right tools to support its owner throughout the day, in a way that was instinctive and effortless for today’s business lifestyle customer. Named Summit Lite after its lightweight design, it aligns with its wearer’s activities and is built for high performing individuals who are constantly on the move and blend their workout routine with their work routine,” explains Nicolas Baretzki, Montblanc CEO. The smartwatch’s lightweight 43 mm case is crafted from recycled aluminium and robust stainless steel giving it its active, high performance appearance, while the eye-catching form is modern and sleek. The case comes in either a matte black or matte silver-grey colour, and is paired with either a sporty fabric or rubber strap, creating four different design variations. Each smartwatch features a crisp 1.19“ AMOLED display with Gorilla Cover Glass. It also offers an updated heart rate monitor and GPS, and is water-resistant to 5 ATM. Like other Summit watches, the technology and software is powered with Wear OS by Google which is compatible with both Android and iOS smartphones. In addition to the full Wear OS by Google ecosystem of apps and services, Montblanc has developed proprietary apps based on proven algorithms that distinguish the Summit Lite smartwatch and add dedicated value for its owner. They include:

Cardio Coach - The Cardio Coach app gives personalized workout recommendations based on your current fitness level (VO2 max) and live coaching advice. It keeps track of the users’ progress and adjusts accordingly. The users get to improve their fitness according to their own goals and at the wanted pace – for ideal healthy and long-lasting results. Body Energy – The app tracks mental and physical exhaustion to show the users’ current energy level. It incorporates data from your sleep, activity and stress level. The users see the influence of their behavior, on their energy level and can 14

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therefore adapt their plans to optimize their daily energy use. Sleep – The app tracks the users’ sleep in detail: length, quality and sleep phases. It issues personalized recommendations to improve the sleep quality and thus the daily energy level. The user gets a clear understanding of their sleeping patterns and are enabled to try to actively improve them. Stress - The app tracks physical and mental stress levels and gives advice at strategic times. The users get more clarity over their body’s response to stressful events and are provided proactive recommendations to do breathing exercises during stressful times. The Summit Lite smartwatch was developed with Montblanc’s sustainability goals in mind featuring a case crafted out of recycled aluminium, and sustainable packaging made from 100% paper.

Synonymous with excellence in craftsmanship and design, Montblanc has been pushing the boundaries of innovation ever since the Maison first revolutionized the culture of writing in 1906. Ingenuity and imagination continue to be driving forces for the Maison today as it advances its expression of fine craftsmanship across product categories: writing instruments, watches, leather goods, new technologies and accessories. Reflecting upon its ongoing mission to create fine lifetime companions born from bold ideas and expertly crafted through the skills of the Maison’s artisans, the iconic Montblanc Emblem has become the ultimate seal of performance, quality and an expression of sophisticated style. As part of its on-going commitment to elevating and support those who strive to leave their mark, Montblanc continues to assert its encouragement of education programs around the world and initiatives that inspire people to express their full potential. by Narges Raiss 15

CMY

THE FERRARI SF90 STRADALE DEBUTS IN QATAR DISCOVER THE 800 CV THAT MAKES THE NEW SERIES-PRODUCTION SUPERCAR THE MOST POWERFUL CONVERTIBLE ON THE MARKET

tarting 2021 in style, Ferrari introduced early January a new chapter in its history with the presentation of its first series production PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), the SF90 Stradale, which made its first appearance in Qatar at private viewing event held at the Eiwan Al-Gassar Art Gallery, West Bay, which was attended by some of the brand’s most discerning clientele and enthusiasts who were keen to witness the car in person for the first time. The new model is extreme on every level and represents a true paradigm shift. Delivering unprecedented performance for a production car with figures such as 1,000 cv, and a weight-to-power ratio of 1.57 kg/cv,

and 390 kg of downforce at 250 km/h not only put the SF90 Stradale at the top of its segment, but also mean that a V8 is the top-of-therange model for the first time in the marque’s history. The car’s name encapsulates the true significance of all that has been achieved in terms of performance. The reference to the 90th anniversary of the foundation of Scuderia Ferrari underscores the strong link that has always existed between Ferrari’s track and road cars. A brilliant encapsulation of the most advanced technologies developed in Maranello, the SF90 Stradale is also the perfect demonstration of how Ferrari immediately transitions the knowledge and skills it acquires in

competition to its production cars. The SF90 Stradale has a 90° V8 turbo engine capable of delivering 780 cv, the highest power output of any 8-cylinder in Ferrari history. The remaining 220 cv is delivered by three electric motors, one at the rear, known as the MGUK (Motor Generator Unit, Kinetic) due to its derivation from the Formula 1 application, located between the engine and the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission on the rear axle, and two on the front axle. This sophisticated system does not, however, make for a more complicated driving experience. Quite the opposite, in fact: the driver simply has to select one of the four power unit modes, and then just concentrate on driving. The sophisticated control logic

On the Road dynamics controls, the RAC-e governs the distribution of torque, making driving on the limit much simpler and easier. The introduction of this hybrid architecture was a challenge with regard to managing the additional weight which was resolved by an obsessive attention to detail and the overall optimisation of the whole of the car.

takes care of the rest, managing the flow of power between the V8, the electric motors and the batteries. The SF90 Stradale is also the first Ferrari sports car to be equipped with 4WD, a step necessary to allow the incredible power unleashed by the hybrid powertrain to be fully exploited, ensuring the car has become the new benchmark for standing starts: 0-100km/h in 2.5 sec and 0-200km/h in just 6.7 seconds.

In terms of experience, the track-derived “eyes on the road, hands on the wheel” philosophy takes on a truly central role for the first time too, significantly influencing the ergonomics and styling of the interior. The result is an HMI (Human-Machine Interface) and interior layout concept that are a complete departure from previous models. Another major innovation is the steering wheel which now has a touchpad and a series of haptic buttons that allow the driver to control virtually every aspect of the car using just their thumbs. The central instrument cluster is now entirely digital with the first automotive application of a 16” curved HD screen which can be fully configured and controlled using the controls on the steering wheel. On the central tunnel, improved ergonomics have been combined with an element from the past: the automatic gearbox controls are now selected by a grille-style feature that references Ferrari’s legendary manual gear-shift gate. Thus past and

present skilfully merge to point the new Ferrari towards the future. The SF90 Stradale is the most advanced car in the range from a point of view of performance and technology. The definition of the exterior styling was inspired by that principle: to create a forward-looking, innovative design that transmits the car’s mission as an extreme sports car – Ferrari’s first series production supercar. Ferrari Design has thus completely revisited the proportions of the front, central and rear volumes in a radical evolution of the forms of Ferrari’s mid-rear-engined production berlinettas of the last twenty years. The aim was to design a leading-edge extreme car capable of delivering completely unprecedented performance for a Prancing Horse production car. The SF90 Stradale slots in between the mid-rear-engined coupés, today represented by the F8 Tributo, and supercars of the likes of LaFerrari, and is the new standard-bearer for hyper-technological extreme cars brimming with future-forward content. As crucial as technical and performance is, the new Ferrari stuns by its sleek design coupled with technology prowess for an incomparable driving experience. by Narges Raiss

Ferrari’s engineers were able to further broaden the spectrum of dynamic controls by introducing the full-electric front axle, known as the RAC-e (electronic cornering setup regulator). As well as exclusively providing propulsion in electric drive, the two front motors independently control the torque delivered to the two wheels, extending the concept of Torque Vectoring. Fully integrated into the car’s vehicle 19

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ROCK & DIAMONDS COLLECTION

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Escape Diaries

QATAR EXECUTIVE INTRODUCES THE DIAMOND AGREEMENT: AN UNPARALLELED PRIVATE JET TRAVEL PROGRAMME QATAR EXECUTIVE’S NEW DIAMOND AGREEMENT OFFERS MAXIMUM FLEXIBILITY, AT INDUSTRY LEADING PRICING Qatar Executive is delighted to announce the introduction of it’s new and exclusive Diamond Agreement, which enables customers to pre-purchase flight time at fixed-hourly rates on state-of-the-art long-range and ultralong-range private jets. The Diamond Agreement is precisely tailored to the individual customer’s needs and requirements, offering a truly unique flying experience. The Diamond Agreement guarantees unrivalled service on board Qatar Executive’s state-of-the-art fleet of private jets. To join this programme, customers purchase a minimum of 50 hours flight time, without any associated membership fees. The all-inclusive and fixed-hourly rates cover both flight hours and taxi time.

customers. With the Diamond Agreement, we can now offer even more flexible and bespoke travel options for Qatar Executive passengers, who can continue to expect our high levels of service and safety onboard our state-of-theart aircraft.” Qatar Executive’s Acting Executive Vice President, Mark Hardman, said: “We are truly delighted to launch our bespoke Diamond Agreement, which is tailored to suit the exact travel profile of both corporate and private clients. The programme offers the ultimate in flexibility at a fixed price. Furthermore, we understand that as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, clients are looking for versatile, high-quality services from a reputable and financially secure operator. “During these unprecedented times, travel requirements often change and as such, our customers can rely on us for a bespoke service, with unused hours being refundable at any time.”

Designed to simplify private jet travel, pre-purchased Diamond Agreement hours have no minimum annual usage and no maximum carry-over, making the Diamond Agreement programme unrivalled in terms of its flexibility. Qatar Executive’s customers are also offered guaranteed availability for reservations booked from just 72 hours in advance.

Qatar Executive currently operates a fleet of 18 state-of-the-art private jets and includes Gulfstream G650ERs, Gulfstream G500s, and Global 5000 aircraft. It is the proud launch customer for Gulfstream’s flagship jet, the Gulfstream G700. The new aircraft brings an unprecedented combination of performance, technology and cabin size to Qatar Executive’s fleet.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “As part of Qatar Airways Group, Qatar Executive offers an exceptional travel experience for private jet

Over the past few months, Qatar Executive has maintained a robust and agile network despite the challenging operational environment, getting customer’s home safely.

Escape Diaries

The Leader

SHEIKH FAISAL BIN QASSIM AL THANI MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN QATAR AND BEYOND

here is a wonderful sense of familiarity that comes with meeting Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani, the man who has been at the helm of Al Faisal Holding for the past 55 years. Welcoming us while still warmly greeting visitors at his Sheikh Faisal Museum on the outskirts of the city - a part of his passion project for history and transmission - he gives us a personalized tour of his favourite exhibits before sitting down for a 2-hour long conversation - not without having silenced his mobile first. His quiet yet understated elegance and affable nature gives the sense that we have met before. Extremely knowledgeable, passionate about his country’s history and highly articulate.

Sheikh Faisal possesses an aura, which is an extension of his love and involvement in the museum. His presence in one of the many themed-rooms we visited attracts attention and silences voices to a murmur. A manifestation of a true leader. What started as a small trading company called Gettco Trading over 55 years ago, Al Faisal Holding is now a major holding company and one of Qatar’s private sector’s economic pillars. Involved in several vital economic sectors such as real estate, manufacturing, trading, project management and hospitality, with each cluster comprising successful subsidiaries that enjoy market-leading positions in the areas they operate in. Al Faisal Holding is among

the first companies to expand its investment beyond Qatar, to regional and international markets through its fully owned subsidiary “ARTIC”. It’s become an internationally recognized name in the hospitality and investment sector partnering with blue chip hotel operators such as Marriott Int’l, Four Seasons, Hilton, Hyatt and Rotana to name a few. It operates a high-quality hotel portfolio in prime city locations across the MENA region, Europe and North America. Al Faisal Holding is not only considered a leading business entity, but is also regarded as a key player in promoting the heritage and education of Qatar. It is a widely respected contributor to the development of Qatar’s knowledge-based economy

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The Leader through its focus on education, culture, sport and skills development. The Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim museum is home to the largest private collection in the Gulf region and houses a fascinating and extensive collection of Qatari cultural objects and insight into Qatar’s Islam heritage. Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani’s passion for his heritage is clearly evident as one wonders through the galleries. His love of vintage cars, many on display here, gives one a sense of awe as you realize the weight and impact of the automotive industry in Qatar. One of the highlights of the tour is a beautifully reproduced complete Syrian house with stunning ceilings and delicate carvings. A truly precious glimpse into the history of the Arab world. With the establishment of some of the most advanced modern museums in the region, the Sheikh Faisal Museum is a step back into the past. It is an opportunity for younger generations to experience a nostalgic trip to the museum and hopefully understand how important and precious cultural heritage is to its people. Al-Faisal Holdings success and growth can be attributed to its commitment to best practice of international standards of corporate governance, policies and procedures. As well as to the support of its local and international partners and to the dedication and commitment of its employees. Divided in seven clusters, TLN Qatar decipher all of Al Faisal Holding’s scope of business and its subsidiaries. Culture, Education, Leisure, and Sport This sector consists Al Rayyan Investment in Education and Sports 26

St. Regis DC (ARIES), Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museums, The Majlis Cultures in Dialogue, SFQ Sports Academy (Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Sports Academy), Stenden University Qatar, Al Faisal without Borders, Al Samriya Riding School and Gulf English School. The vision of ARIES is “to educate, develop and prepare generations nationally and internationally to achieve their personal best; physically, emotionally and intellectually whilst maintaining their cultural values as global citizens”. Facilities that provide exceptional education and sports training services in Qatar. Hospitality This cluster consists of Al Rayyan Tourism Investment Company “ARTIC” which is involved in activities such as real estate development, acquisition and leasing, with a primary focus on the hospitality sector and related services both in Qatar and worldwide. ARTIC’s current investment portfolio comprises over 34 renowned and iconic properties in prime city centres and resort locations. In addition to its hotel portfolio, ARTIC invests in complementary sectors, generating busi-

ness and financial synergies across its operations. ARTIC is continually expanding its investment portfolio through acquisitions or property development, always maintaining an uncompromising focus on asset quality, location and architectural design. ARTIC’s portfolio include: Qatar: Marriott Marquis City Center Doha, JW Marriott Marquis City Center Doha, Le Méridien City Center Doha, Delta Hotels City Center Doha, Element City Center Doha, Element Doha West Bay, Al Samriya, Autograph Collection, Aleph Doha Residences; Curio Collection, Double Tree Al Sadd, Swiss-Belinn Doha and Marriott Executive Apartments City Center, Doha Europe: Grand Hyatt Berlin, JW Hotel Berlin, JW Marriott Hotel Istanbul Bosphorus, Sheraton Istanbul City Center, W London and Aleph Rome Hotel; Curio collection by Hilton. United States: St. Regis - Bal Harbour Miami, W Miami, Radisson Blu Aqua Chicago, St. Regis Washington D.C., The Manhattan at Times Square.

The Leader Egypt: Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at the First Residence, Hilton Hurghada Plaza, Hilton Alexandria Cornich Hotel, JW Marriott Residences Al Jazi Gardens, Marriott Residences Al Jazi First, Nile Boat by Four Seasons, Aleph Hurghada Residences, Hurghada City Center mall, Chess Field Al Jazi First, Moxy Hotels Chess Field Al Jazi, Moxy Hotels City Center, First Mall in Giza and Al Jazi First Mall, Real Estate The Real Estate Cluster involves high-end residential and commercial properties across Doha through Al Jazi Real Estate Company, which manages a rich portfolio of iconic properties located in prime locations around Doha, and offers high-standards, unique architecture, beautiful landscaping, efficient facility management and diverse recreational facilities. Al Jazi Real Estate portfolio comprise Al Jazi Gardens, Al Jazi Village, Al Jazi Tower, Aamal Tower, Areen Tower, Dareen Tower, Al Faisal Tower, Serdal Tower, and several other buildings across the city. Construction and Project Management Involves a wide range of services for the building industry, including construction, repair and modification projects and others. This cluster comprises Derwind Trading and Contracting Company, The Qatari Modern Maintenance Company (QMMC), and Maintenance Management Solutions. Trading and Distribution The “Trading and Distribution” Cluster involves the trading and distribution of a wide range of products, including building materials, food supplies and more. This cluster

consists of Al Shaab International Trading Group, Deliopolis, Trading Company, Bridge Power Trading. Services The “Services” Cluster involves providing high-quality services, ranging from freight forwarding services, IT solutions, and more. This cluster consists of Gettco Freight and Integrated Information Systems Middle East (IIS). Manufacturing

distribution sector, companies that has been operating in Qatar since the late 1960’s are Ibn Sina Medical, Aamal Trading & Distribution (exclusive agents of Bridgestone tyres, distributors of Total lubricants). Under industrial manufacturing Doha Cables, the first cable manufacturing facility in Qatar, Aamal Readymix, Aamal Cement, Advanced Pipes and Casts Company, Aamal Maritime Transportation Services and many more.

Cluster involves manufacturing different essential products across different sectors, providing high levels of quality and service. This cluster consists minority investment in Hepworth PME Qatar and Frijns Structural Steel Middle East.

As a diversified group of companies that maintains rigorous international standards, Al Faisal Holding is in a unique position to capitalize on Qatar’s growing global trade to expand beyond Qatar with the country’s huge economic strides.

A major milestone of Sheikh Faisal is Aamal Company Q.P.S.C where Al Faisal Holding is major shareholder. While the Holding’s journey from an auto parts trader to an international diversified group has been illustrious, perhaps one of the more outstanding milestones was the creation of the Aamal Company. Created through the consolidation of some of the strongest Al Faisal subsidiaries into one company, Aamal was publicly listed in 2007 and is currently have a market capitalisation of almost QAR 5.8bn. Aamal is among the largest public companies in Qatar and is comprised of a wide range of businesses operating four sectors; Industrial Manufacturing, Trading and Distribution, Property and Managed Services. Flagship of Aamal Company which was first developed by Al Faisal Holding is City Center Shopping Mall also another landmark in Aamal’s property portfolio is Souk Al Najame aka Al Harraj developed by Al Faisal Holding as well. Under the trading and

The story of Al Faisal Holding’s growth and development reflects the same entrepreneurial vision, drive and innovative thinking that has seen the transformation of Qatar into one of the world’s strongest and fastest growing economies.

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The Leader

SHEIKH FAISAL BIN QASSIM AL THANI LAUNCH OF THE JW MARRIOTT RESIDENCES NEW CAIRO, AL JAZI GARDENS – THE FIRST LUXURY BRANDED RESIDENCES IN EGYPT 2021 will be marked by the pursuit of ambitious projects for Al Faisal holding such as JW Marriott Residences New Cairo Al Jazi Gardens through its subsidiary based locally, Seldar Misr. Projects of these scales will mobilize colossal resources which will be injected until completion.

Marriott Marquis CC

The JW Marriott Residences New Cairo, Al Jazi Gardens delivers nothing short of an exceptional new concept in contemporary residential living. It combines impeccable hospitality services with the highest international standards of design, quality and safety of construction. Offering a unique client experience

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and environment that matches residents’ needs and expectations of excellence and luxury. Every aspect of this project - from the logistics to the construction materials to the interior and exterior environment and landscaping - has been designed and executed to the highest specifications by combining the outstanding capabilities of the team across each of these phases. The development has many unique attributes and is LEED certified for the quality of its building design and energy resources. Residents can benefit from the development’s impeccable attention to interior design detail, a range of unit sizes, luxurious finishing, world class fire and safety systems, and the high quality external environment which for the first time in Egypt provides traffic-free pedestrian movement around the project by directing vehicles through a system of underpasses. All the Al Jazi Egypt projects are fully built and the residential units of JW Marriott Residences New Cairo, Al Jazi Gardens can be viewed in person by interested buyers selecting their on-theground unit. With the Qatar Football World Cup 2022 around the corner, six new hotels will open in Qatar within this year supporting growth and development of Qatar’s Tourism & Hospitality sector as the country gets ready to host guests from all over the world. The six properties will include five newbuild hotels - Le Méridien City Center Doha, Delta Hotels City Center Doha, Element City Center Doha, Element Doha West Bay, and Al Samriya, Autograph Collection - in addition to a conversion property that will be rebranded to become Marriott Executive Apartments City Center, Doha. Five of these properties will be located in one of the most vibrant and commercial areas in the Qatari capital, West Bay, while Al Samriya, Autograph Collection will be located in the

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Element by Westin Doha Al-Shahaniya district, an ideal sanctuary for quality time with the family and loved ones. All six hotels are expected to open in 2021. The completion of five new projects within 2021 will be a first for Qatar’s hospitality sector and will 30

further enhance ARTIC’s position as a leading player in the sector and supporter of the development of Qatar’s tourism industry. These agreements will bring ARTIC’s total number of hotel keys in Qatar to over 3,260, further enhancing ARTIC’s investment portfolio and

its ability to bring distinctive new brands to Qatar’s hospitality scene. This showcases the Company ongoing commitment to the Qatari market and its uncompromised focus on the quality of assets and premium experience they provide to its guests.

The Leader

SHEIKH FAISAL BIN QASSIM AL THANI EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

n a world of perpetual movement, with political and economic changes combined with environmental challenges, Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani is sparking dialogue on the past, present and future of Qatar and beyond. The Luxury Network Magazine Qatar Edition meets with the leader at the helm of Al Faisal Holding on the ground of the Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Museum for a private tour whilst sharing his vision for his country. Culture and Education Why did you choose to venture into the education sector with schools and Stenden University in Qatar? My interest in education and attracting leading educational institutions to my country began in the 80s, when, with the rise and prosperity of our country it became necessary to invest in education. I consider it my national duty to help the government in developing the quality of education, so we do not view it as a profitable sector for our Group. In the beginning, we approached a number of international educational institutions. After thorough study, we established Gulf English School in 1993, which offers

Stenden University the British curriculum in addition to the Arabic language and Islamic studies. The beginnings were modest in a simple building for the elementary grades, but now the school has been able to expand for all levels. We have more than one branch, the buildings are developed and include the best facilities with modern educational tools. At the beginning of the current century, we partnered with the University of Stenden, a prestigious university in the Netherlands specializing in tourism and hospitality.

Over its twenty years in Qatar, the University has graduated a constellation of students who work in the local tourism and hospitality sector, which has witnessed significant growth during the past two decades. The museum is clearly your passion and it has become a staple institution in Qatar. Tell us more about why you chose to share your private collection and what are you hoping to accomplish through it? Art and culture are the soul of a nation, they give us insights of the 31

to the public to enhance awareness of the culture and heritage in Qatar. A Family Business With a strong hold on hospitality and real estate, how do you approach new opportunities? Aleph Doha Residences

We always select the opportunities very carefully and have a specialized team studying the feasibility of any project we intend to embark on. As for real estate, there are a number of main factors that we look at; starting with the location and then the quality of the property and its field of development to improve the operational process. After that comes the architectural design and beauty of the building. All of these factors are fundamental. What do you take into consideration before moving forward with a new project?

Stenden University past and help us understand the present while preparing a better future for the next generation. Walking in the alley of a museum should be thought-provoking, allowing the visitor to learn, to question themselves and the world around them leaving an imprint in their minds. My love for history and collecting heritage collectibles began when I was young. My father, may his soul rest in peace, was keen to develop this hobby by taking me with him during his travels visiting museums and ancient cities. In my youth, I began collecting various pieces of my personal belongings, or that of my family. I then went on to collect things belonging to my clan and then ev32

erything that expresses the traditions and heritage of the people of Qatar and the Gulf region. As the size of my group increased, people became more interested and started asking about it. In the beginning, the collection was located in my private “majlis” and available only to those who wanted to see it. With the passage of time, I noticed a great interest from people, so I decided to display it in a private museum, which was expanded in several stages. The existing artifacts are very diverse and not limited to a specific civilization or culture, so every person who visits the museum finds something that he relates to. The museum is open

When we look into a new project, we carefully study the opportunity in front of us, the added value that this opportunity provides to the Company and the compatibility of this opportunity with our current activities in order to achieve integration. I believe that new projects, whether they are a product or a service, must be unique and innovative, offering a high level of quality. This way we gain the “first mover” advantage in the market, by meeting the needs of the market and providing something new and unprecedented, keeping in mind the constant development and update of what these projects offer. How does the Al Faisal Group function as far as family is concerned? Fortunately, there is a great interest from my children in the Company’s

The Leader business and today, family members participate in developing Company business strategies and planning to implement these strategies. We have just finished developing a 10year strategy that requires each sector of the Company to operate as a separate entity, with its own board of directors, each containing executive members and family members, in addition to executive management. This strategy would set the rules for current and future investments across all sectors in which we operate. This strategy would also reflect the aspirations of our shareholders for future generations. Finally, it provides a clear framework for corporate governance that clarifies the role of the parent Company and the sectors in which it operates and the implications for subsidiary companies. How will the end of the blockade play out for Al Faisal Holding? I think that we, at Al Faisal Holding, were able to overcome this crisis and mitigate its effects as much as possible, by finding alternative supply chains and establishing economic relations with other friendly countries. However, the Gulf reconciliation means a lot to us, as this means more recovery in the supply chains on which we previously relied on and in the lines of mobility that were disrupted by the blockade. With a diverse portfolio locally and internationally, what are the future projects of the group? We are striving to create long-term added value for all stakeholders and to meet shareholders’ aspirations. Through the continuous development of our products and services and identifying growth opportuni-

JW Istanbul ties - in the seven sectors in which we operate - that are in line with the quality standards that we have set since the establishment of the Company. Our strength lies in the fact that we adopt a hands-on approach right down to the inception of a new project during the whole process using our methods and expertise. It is this strength that sets us apart. Unlike many other large international groups, we don’t just settle, we take ownership and create our own opportunities. The difference here is an important one: it’s a genuine entrepreneurial phi-

losophy, one of strength, one that stands out. In overseeing the entire process ourselves, we can be confident of meeting the commitments we make to our partners. It is also a fantastic human adventure bringing together people from all backgrounds, cultures and origins. We celebrate this diversity of energies and endorse inclusivity. It is one of our core values and we are proud of it. It is our company, the company we are building day after day. Together for Qatar and from Qatar to the world. by Narges Raiss 33

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MAN OF THE HOUR :

CEO OF ROGER DUBUIS Watchmaking is nothing new to Nicola Andreatta, Roger Dubuis’ new CEO, who comes from a family that has been involved in various aspects of watchmaking for three generations. Like Roger Dubuis, however, a love of doing things differently has been a key factor in a successful career in luxury spanning more than two decades.

orn in Italy to an Italian father and Swiss mother, multilingual Andreatta (Italian, French, English, Spanish and Cantonese) is a dual Italian/ Swiss national who nurtures a deep-seated fascination for new technologies and innovation. He combines this with an extensive background in managing multi-national scenarios within culturally diversified environments on several continents (the EU, Asia and the Americas). In keeping with his love of a challenge, in his spare time, Andreatta can be found engaged in any one of a number of extreme pursuits ranging from sailing and windsurfing to skydiving, piloting or aerobatics, or even at the wheel of racing cars. Having spent the early years of his career working for his father at a family-owned company, Andreatta enjoyed a five-year experience in Hong Kong occupying different positions, while developing a world class set of skills in financial management. Returning to Europe in 2003, Andreatta decided to give free rein to his entrepreneurial ambitions and launched his own brand called N.O.A (standing for

None of the Above), resulting in an international reputation as a visionary entrepreneur in the world of luxury watches. After selling the brand to a US investor in 2013, Andreatta subsequently turned his attention to working on a relaunched and developed watch category for American jeweller Tiffany & Co. in Switzerland, prior to joining Roger Dubuis in December 2018. An agile, impactful and dynamic communicator, Nicola Andreatta brings to Roger Dubuis exactly the type of paradoxes in which the self-styled brand that dares to be different specialises, combining vast inter-continental experience in business administration with an in-depth and intuitive knowledge of watches and the watch industry, along with an indomitable entrepreneurial spirit. Like Roger Dubuis, Nicola Andreatta combines unleashed creativity with an unbridled love of excess and larger than life experiences. The watch he’s most excited about? The next one of course, the one in which he will be able to express his own take on what Roger Dubuis is all about.

Alta Gioielleria

DOLCE AND GABBANA

Enamelled “Rose” necklace in white, pink and yellow gold with green tourmalines, rubies, emeralds and diamonds.

Bracelet-timepiece in white and yellow gold with “Lagoon” tourmalines and diamonds

Earrings in white and pink gold with “Paraiba” and “Rubellite” tourmalines, and diamonds

REPOSSI Blast 18-karat black gold-washed diamond cuff

DAVID MORRIS

Forest Berry trio ring with 5.20ct chrysoprase, 6.20ct lapis lazuli, 2.00ct black onyx, 6.50ct Akoya pearl. Featuring flower motif with 0.27ct white diamond and blue sapphire rounds, set in 18ct rose gold

Miss Daisy ring with chain detail with graduated flower motifs set with rose cut pear shape diamonds set in 18ct white gold

Pearl Rose Deco bangle with Akoya pearl and white diamonds set in 18ct white gold

CARTIER

Panthère de Cartier Figurative watch in 18-karat yellow gold with emeralds, black lacquer and diamonds.

CHANEL Fine Jewelry 1.5 1 CAMÉLIA. 5 ALLURES CAMÉLIA TREASURE BOX in white gold, mother of pearl, diamonds, cultured pearls and tourmaline. Detachable camellia motif may be worn as a brooch.

BOUCHERON Serpent Bohème - Hand ring Two-finger ring or hand jewelry? A bold piece with a contemporary look! Three drops taper away on either side from the middle. These are paved with diamonds and rimmed with gold beads and form a graphic horizontal line that spans almost the entire width of the hand. A spirited and strikingly contemporary ode to the captivating world of Serpent Bohème.

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BUCCELLATI – HAUTE COUTURE COLLECTION 2021 Buccellati gets ready for the virtual catwalks of 2021 by presenting new amazing creations that highlight the brand’s savoir-faire and its century-old goldsmithing traditions.

Buccellati is a renowned high-end jewellery brand, admired for its craftsmanship and the uniqueness of its creations. Distinctive in the use of rare stones with extraordinary colours, mixed with white and yellow gold, all nicely carved like laces. Today, the Buccellati jewels stand out for their design and for the techniques used to create them, such as the hand-engraving technique, dating back to the an-

cient goldsmith traditions of the Italian “bottega” during the Renaissance times. The shapes of the collections are all inspired by the historical archive drawings as well as the very first creations of the founder, Mario Buccellati. Like a pioneer in preserving the most refined techniques, Buccellati’s offering for this year is based on honeycomb

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and openwork patterns, still hand-crafted today as in 1919, when the Maison was founded in Milan. Andrea Buccellati, Creative Director at Buccellati, is imposing his elegant taste and vision to jewels, culminating in the “Polvere di Luna” (Moon powder) set, composed of a super-light necklace with matching cocktail

The “Ortensia” bracelet recalls the colour and gentleness of the hydrangea, it being so imperfectly spherical and so delicately coloured, while the “Honey-heart” bracelet proposes a sun-like motif centring a delicate and light honeycomb motif. Cocktail rings are among the most sought-after Buccellati jewels. The ones conceived for the Haute Couture 2021 are innovative and impressive. The “Passione” cocktail ring is dominated by a large faceted tourmaline, sparkling with all its beauty contoured by small white

pendant earrings. While the flexible bracelet with the same design stands out as a jewel apart, a unique and precious work of art, the result of hours and hours of manual drilling and hand-engraving. Surely one of the most iconic piece of jewellery from the brand, theBuccellati cuff bracelets enchant with their innovative designs.

gold leaves set with diamonds. The “Monte Bianco” ring pushes its round pearl up like a mountaintop featuring a geometric and modern decoration all around the bezel and along the stem. TLN Qatar editor’s picks are the “Aubade” cocktail earrings which evokes the sweetness of a morning love song: an openwork, refined and elegant background enlightened by rubies, while the “Foglie Imperiali” earrings remind us of those important laurel crowns the kings and queens wore in their institutional paintings. Alas, royalty in the 21st century. by Narges Raiss

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CHOPARD: PRECIOUS LACE COLLECTION LUMINOUS, LIGHT-AS-AIR AND LUXURIANTLY WEARABLE JEWELS

ith its intricate all-diamond jewels, the Precious Lace Collection is a contemporary classic of today’s jewellery world. Instantly recognisable as the Maison’s stylistic signature, this jewellery line is light, lyrical and supremely feminine, as well as unmistakably Chopard in its effortless design and mastery of craft skills. The collection, inspired by the lightness and whiteness of lace, plays with light and space, weaving diamonds and gold together in fluid, intricate openwork. The result is a fascinating dialogue between strength and fragility, substance and delicacy; between the eternal brilliance of the diamond and the ethereal weightlessness of a lace-like jewel floating over the skin, hovering between Haute Couture and Haute Joaillerie. A jewel that moves in harmony with the body, a sensual and silky second skin fully reflecting the values of the Fédération de la Haute Couture of which Chopard is a “jeweller” member. A new vision of Haute Joaillerie Now, with a new series of light and lively jewels within the Precious Lace Collection, Chopard makes the preciousness of diamonds and the luxury of lace more accessible and wearable. These are personal gemset jewellery treasures for every day, every occasion and every woman. Like the collection itself, and its modern

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take on classicism, this talent for breaking down barriers between Haute and Fine jewellery, thereby dismantling the formality of Haute Joaillerie, is a powerful Chopard signature. Caroline Scheufele, Chopard’s Co-President and energetic Artistic Director, has always understood and anticipated what women want in their jewels, and how they want to wear them. She has championed their causes, creating audacious, glamorous jewels that reflect their multi-faceted lives as well as illuminating their lifestyles, fashions and values. She works tirelessly to make precious jewellery exciting, expressive and most of all relevant today. Ever since she took the creative helm at the Family Maison in the 1980s, she has pushed boundaries, challenging existing conventions and infusing Haute Joaillerie with a fresh elegance characterised by effortless exuberance. In doing so, she gives new meaning to the precious nature of jewellery that women want to keep close to them at all times. Through her pioneering sustainable luxury initiatives, Caroline Scheufele defends the planet, its resources – in terms of gold and gems – as well as human beings themselves. In 2018, Chopard was the first luxury watch and jewellery manufacturer to commit to using 100% ethical gold.

Ethics meets aesthetics With the new Precious Lace jewels, all hand-crafted in Chopard’s Haute Joaillerie ateliers using ethical gold and diamonds sourced from Responsible Jewellery Council certified members, Chopard brings that vision to life, disseminating the beauty, classicism and craftsmanship of Haute Joaillerie, translating its refinement into appealingly wearable, charismatically feminine jewels. The designs echo the floral patterns, scrolls, swirls and scalloped edges of fine antique lace. The central design feature of the Precious Lace Collection – a rhythmic, undulating gold and diamond-set curl enclosing an unfurling line of pear-shaped diamonds – is now presented in miniaturised form through four designs. The first is a “Vague” motif whose proportions evoke foaming sea billows and is interpreted as a pair of earrings, a pendant and a ring. The stylised flower pattern named “Mini-Froufrou”, with its scalloped borders and pear-shaped diamond petals on an airy openwork background, adorns a ring, earrings, pendant and bangle. A semi-circular floret in a similar style becomes a “Nuage” pendant, neckchain, earrings and ring. Lastly, Chopard gives its iconic “Cœur” pendant the Precious Lace treatment, in a choice of two sizes.

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Lace – a treasured possession Just as the collection plays with diamond light and lightness, with shape and form and space, so the theme itself plays with concepts of preciousness, and with the fusion of jewels and fabric, as well as the relationship between Haute Joaillerie and Haute Couture. The art of lacemaking was perfected in 16th century Venice, from where it spread across Europe to centres in Belgium, France, Spain and England, taking on different characteristics, in different styles. Lace, so meticulously and skilfully hand-made, was prized

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as a rich adornment to costume, for collars, cuffs, caps and ruffles, worn by royalty and nobility. It was thus regarded as a much-treasured, valuable possession particularly by the great Renaissance rulers, including Elizabeth I. Like jewels and gems, lace thus became a symbol of status and power. In these jewels, the effect of exquisite hand-made lace is re-created by the interplay of pear-shaped and round brilliant-cut diamonds, using their shapes and their silhouettes within the openwork space in each design, to bring a lilting rhythm, playful fluidity and contemporary stylisation to the essential classicism of the theme. The delicacy of lace is replicated by the extreme precision of the goldwork, the slender mounts and airiness that serve to highlight the radiance of the diamonds, and at the same time, showcase the supreme skill of the Maison’s in-house artisans. Expertise similar to that of the nimble-fingered seamstresses referred to as petites mains in the field of Haute Couture, with which Chopard shares a number of core values: an array of eminently noble materials, a flair for details, a commitment to wearer comfort, and above all, an authentic love for women. by Narges Raiss

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DOHA JEWELLERY & WATCHES EXHIBITION (DJWE) 2021 TO BE HELD ON 24-29 MAY

IN LIGHT OF ANNOUNCEMENTS RESTRICTING PUBLIC GATHERINGS, QNTC ANNOUNCES NEW DATE FOR THE 18TH EDITION OF THE EXHIBITION SET TO SHOWCASE OVER 450 LEADING INTERNATIONAL BRANDS Qatar National Tourism Council announced a new date for the 18th edition of its leading business event Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition (DJWE) which will now be held from 24-29 May. This decision follows the recent announcement by the State Cabinet to re-impose restrictions in the interest of maintaining the health and safety of all residents.

H.E. Akbar Al Baker

His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, Secretary General of QNTC and GCEO of Qatar Airways, remarked: “To ensure the safety and wellbeing of our guests and people, we have decided to postpone DJWE for three months following the announcement of new measures from the State Committee. Having grown and evolved over the year to become a global leader in the luxury goods industry and the highlight of the events calendar in Qatar, the Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition is a must attend event for anyone with an appreciation for the finest craftsmanship and offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy a journey of elegance, heritage and luxury. Combined with more offerings during the summer months, an exciting line up of events and presence of international celebrities, the highlight of QNTC’s calendar of events DJWE will return to dazzle its audiences in May.” DJWE is QNTC’s flagship exhibition attended by top luxury watches and jewellery brands as well as jewellery

connoisseurs from Qatar and all over the world. The 2020 edition of the Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition features almost 130 exhibitors from 14 countries and was enjoyed by more than 32,000 visitors from 175 countries. The event showcased a range of exciting workshops including an Objectif Horlogerie session in addition to The Art of Rarity with diamonds workshops run by De Beers, local talent also took pride of place as the Young Qatari designers pavilion featured prominently. Already recognized as one of the most important and unique jewellery and watch events in the world, the 18th edition of the Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition will feature a stunning array of exhibitors showcasing the latest and most exclusive pieces from many international brands. QNTC and its subsidiary Qatar Business Events Corporation (QBEC), which also oversees Doha Exhibition & Convention Centre, continue

to work closely with the Ministry of Physical Health (MoPH) to implement health and safety measures. These are carried out along with international best practices, in the organising of events such as DJWE, prioritizing a safe experience for exhibitors and visitors. The Qatar Clean programme, a joint initiative by QNTC and the Ministry of Public Health, continues to be implemented across all hotels and restaurants. Businesses in the sector are encouraged to apply for their Qatar Clean certification as soon as possible, to ensure their continued operation, and for the safety of guests. Qatar National Tourism Council’s mission is to firmly establish Qatar on the global map as a place where cultural authenticity meets modernity, and where people of the world come together to experience unique offerings in culture, sports, business and family entertainment. by Narges Raiss 49

You probably already know that flying privately is an unrivalled travel experience. This year, though, perhaps more than ever before, we’re all realising just how clearly private aviation is the safest way to travel too. Naturally, you want to protect yourself, your family, your friends and your colleagues from the threat of COVID-19. Why take any unnecessary risks? Here are nine reasons to fly in a private jet, not just now but for years to come:

STAY SAFE: FLY PRIVATELY

1. No queues. Move quickly through a spacious, dedicated business aviation facility, rather than pushing past strangers in a crowded airport terminal or airliner. Commercial aviation simply isn’t designed for social distancing. The number of touchpoints exposing passengers to the risk of contagion when travelling on any airline is dramatically higher than on a business aviation flight. Even when crisis measures ease, the long-term ‘new normal’ will almost certainly involve more extreme medical caution and checks at airports than before the pandemic. Checks mean queues. Don’t be surprised if commercial airline travel becomes increasingly time-consuming and frustrating. 2. You can choose your fellow passengers. Fly with relaxed confidence, knowing your inflight ‘bubble’ is a healthy group.

Escape Diaries

3. Airlines are in chaos. The airline industry has been devastated by coronavirus. Some of the damage will be irreparable. The streamlining and restructuring needed to survive will surely see some direct city-pair connections disappear and frequencies fall. You’ll be forced to take more connecting flights than ever before, which means waiting around busy terminals, heightening your risk of contagion (especially when the inevitable delays and cancellations occur). A private jet will simply take you directly where you want to go, whenever you want to fly.

to tell you everything you need to know about the latest destination and passenger restrictions. In this complex and rapidly changing regulatory climate, you’ll receive all the help you need to secure the correct travel approvals and paperwork (such as your travel history) for your journey.

And if you’ve become comfortable enjoying first-class airline travel, now might be the time to start enjoying the even more luxurious pleasures of private aviation. Airline service levels, by necessity, have fallen to minimise interaction between crew and passengers. And the first-class cabins will disappear entirely when some airlines, streamlining to survive, remove larger aircraft such as the Airbus A380 and Boeing 747 from their fleets. Airlines just can’t match private jets for service and flexibility.

7. The flight can be part of a wonderful package. Right now, we’re being called all the time by luxury resorts and hotels across the world offering safe, highly personalised and exclusive breaks from secluded cottages to island paradises. These companies, understandably, want our services to be sure their guests will be travelling safely. There’s no point booking a break in secure isolation if you’ll need to push through crowds to get there.

4. Rigorous health measures, on the ground and in the air. Sanitisers, gloves and masks are provided for all our staff, passengers and crew at Luxaviation Group, both in the ground handling facilities and on the jets. We operate strict regimes for cleaning and disinfecting aircraft. We use anti-pathogen agents (which kill and inhibit viruses and bacteria) to complete a full sanitisation cycle before and after every flight. Has air quality ever mattered more than now? Many private aircraft are fitted with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, which means you and your travelling companions will be safer (and, importantly, feel safer too) from the risk of virus infection in a business jet than an airport, office, shopping centre or car. And don’t worry – although our crews are as friendly as ever, we won’t be shaking your hand at the moment! 5. Comprehensive, expert advice. A well-informed global management company and operator will be able

6. Value. You might be pleasantly surprised when you realise there isn’t necessarily a big price difference between private jet and first-class airline travel…but the private jet experience leaves airlines far behind.

And if you’re not sure where to go next, take a look at ‘Luxaviation Experiences’. You’ll find incredible, highclass breaks from African safaris to European cultural tours. 8. You can take ownership of your travel experience, literally. If you want total control of your flying environment, consider buying a jet ahead of chartering. A top-class management company will be able to support you through the process. 9. You can add a helicopter and yacht to your travel portfolio. Would you like the ultimate in a controlled, end-to-end travel experience, minimising the risk of social contact and shared spaces? Why take a taxi to the marina when you can fly a helicopter straight onto your yacht? As we all move through these unprecedented times, health and peace of mind feel more important than ever before. There’s no safer, more relaxing way to travel than private aviation. 51

Escape Diaries

THE FUTURE OF “DESTINATION WORKPLACES”

itness centers. Meditation rooms. Pool tables. Only a decade ago, luxury office amenities like these were nearly unheard of or only offered at the most progressive tech companies. Many employers seeking to remain relevant and attract top talent took notice and adapted their workplace designs to incorporate unique services and experiential offerings for their employees. Now, the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted another evaluation of how to best attract and serve employees who have become adjusted to working from home and other remote locations. The pandemic has revealed that some work can be accomplished in more places than just traditional office space. As a result, employers are searching for ways to motivate staff to return to the office and connect with each other and their organizations. Amenities like hazard pay, in-house meals and medical services, child care, outdoor walking paths, and improved technology are encouraging employees to return to the office in the short term. Employers are also seeking experiential long-term motivators for post-pandemic office life, including team brainstorming hubs, casual cafés and relaxation areas to provide an atmosphere for creativity and collaboration on site. “For several years, we’ve been seeing retailers expand into this experiential space,” explained Shawn Stoneburner of Cushman & Wakefield Commercial Property Southwest Florida. “Now, employers are taking that cue and 52

Escape Diaries

tionwide have started offering outof-the-box amenities like personal errand-running and on-site childcare facilities. Amenities should also mesh with an organization’s corporate culture. For example, many companies have made employee wellness a strategic priority. Those organizations can provide fitness centers or walking paths to aid in physical well-being, and relaxation areas or meditation rooms to promote emotional well-being. This emphasis on employee wellness also includes safety considerations with the pandemic in mind.

are trying to provide unique experiences at the office. As companies reassess their space needs for the postCOVID future, employee amenities need to be part of the total equation.”

“A great example in our area is Scottlynn USA, who is focusing on health and wellness as it builds a new headquarters,” says Stoneburner. “Their plans include a walking path, fitness centers, and even a basketball court on premises. And they’re still adapting. When the coronavirus pandemic started, they improved their plans to add a new air filtration system.”

Many companies have the luxury of planning these perks from the ground up. NeoGenomics’ new headquarters in Southwest Florida, for example, will consist of a three-story office building, a two-story laboratory building, and other support structures totaling 150,000 square feet. Also included in the design are a courtyard, an outdoor dining area, a fitness path, cafés on every floor, and team spaces to encourage collaboration once it is safe to gather.

Producing a creative and inviting living space was vital in the design process for Seagate Development Group, the developer for both Scotlynn and Neogenomics, whose new headquarters opened earlier this year. “Seagate paid attention to aesthetics to help promote creativity in its team,” says Stoneburner. “In addition to amenities like coffee bars, lounge areas, and collaborative workspaces, they also made the facility warm and inviting with an outdoor balcony and floor-toceiling windows.”

However, creating a great workplace experience can be challenging. With five generations now in the American workforce, employees have widely varying tastes and expectations. Employee insights are essential to determine appropriate amenities. Workers need to share their needs, wants, preferences and current challenges, so employers can create meaningful experiences. After surveying employees, employers na-

As employers manage through the pandemic and work towards a post-COVID future, the way we look at our workplaces will certainly change. Encouraging interactivity, wellness and comfort will be high priorities for those who hope to retain their staff. Well-researched and strategic investments in these amenities today will pay dividends in terms of a more engaged workforce in the future. 53

Escape Diaries

WELCOME TO THE HOME OF JAMES BOND For Your Eyes Only Have you ever wondered where James Bond spends his time on his days off? I’ve found the answer and it lies in Buckinghamshire, UK. I’m led to believe that Daniel Craig is a member of Stoke Park Country Club, Spa and Hotel, which has also been the setting for one his movies – RocknRolla. Indeed, not one but two James Bond films have shot scenes here: Goldfinger (1964) and Tomorrow Never Dies (1997). Where in recent times it’s become the stomping ground for A-list Hollywood stars, the original Manor House once belonged to Queen Elizabeth. In fact, it is said that the Queen visited The Manor House and Sir Edward Coke bestowed jewels to the value of twelve hundred pounds upon her! So what is it in particular about Stoke Park that’s held such a strong allure to the rich and famous over the years? Rooms The rooms, for a start, are magnificent. There are 49 altogether, including suites; 21 are based in the Mansion and 28 in the Pavilion, all of which hold the 5 AA Red Star rating. The bedrooms within the Mansion each has their own style and design, holding onto a more traditional feeling with fine art adorning the walls and priceless 54

antiques adding a touch of class. In the Pavilion, the rooms are of a more contemporary luxury with combinations of rich fabrics and exquisite marble coupled with Andy Warhol lithos and film posters. Given the pick of the bunch, it must be the Pennsylvania Suite. Not only did it feature in Bridget Jones’s Diary, it also has awe-inspiring landscape views of Stoke Park’s verdant acres. Golf Stoke Park has utilised its 300-acre parkland estate by converting it into one of the UK’s most prestigious 27-hole Championship golf courses. It was in 1908 that the eminent golf architect, Harry Colt transformed this beautiful space into a mightily impressive course. So impressive is the parkland course that not only do keen golfers from around the world descend on Buckinghamshire to enjoy a day of the sport, 007 himself also battled it out right here in that epic duel from 1964’s Goldfinger. In more recent times, two years ago in 2018 Stoke Park became the European Headquarters for the world-renowned David Leadbetter Golf Academy and has seven Leadbetter certified professionals on site. Leisure If golf is not your thing, then Stoke Park also boasts 13 tennis courts; six Wimbledon specification grass courts, four floodlit artificial clay courts and three indoor carpeted courts. Plus, Stoke Park can also say that it is the first 5 Star Hotel in the UK to have Padel courts and is the only Club in Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire to have this facility. The Pavilion is also home to an award-winning spa with some fantastic treatments on offer. The Lava Relax Treatment is a great way to unwind, detach yourself from the everyday stresses of work and relax any aching muscles. The indoor swimming pool is sensational, with floor-to-ceiling windows flooding the room with giant beams of natural light. You’ll also find Italian marble steam rooms, a deep relaxation room, a private atrium with a stunning five metre tropical aquarium, a Scandinavian sauna, outdoor hot tub, nail bar and boutique. A 4,000 square foot gymnasium will also keep you fit and active for your stay, while breakaway chillout ar-

eas will allow you to find the peace of mind for a quiet moment. Dining All those leisurely facilities are going to build an appetite, which is good considering Stoke Park has three magnificent restaurants. Humphry’s fine dining restaurant has three AA Rosettes under its belt, offering outstanding British cuisine courtesy of Head Chef, Chris Wheeler. Think home-smoked scallops that blow you away upon presentation and roasted fillet of beef that’s exquisite both in texture and taste. The food is perfect and is equally matched in setting. Opulent décor and vases of colourful flora will take your breath away as you enter Humphry’s and make your way to your table. If you’re inquisitive as to who exactly Humphry might be, the restaurant takes its name after Humphry Repton who designed Stoke Park’s beautiful bridge in 1805. The Orangery, adjacent to Humphry’s, offers lighter meals and is where you can enjoy a hearty breakfast in the morning and afternoon tea later in the day overlooking the gorgeous green space beyond. San Marco, the third restaurant, offers relaxed Italian cuisine with classic dishes and family-friendly settings. by James Massoud 55

Escape Diaries

Four Seasons Hotel Doha Reveals Stunning Luxury Suites Presidential and Royal Suites offer both sophisticated grandeur and residential comfort

ompleting a magnificent property-wide transformation first unveiled in March 2020, Four Seasons Hotel Doha introduces two new premium suites that beckon luxury living at its best. The Presidential Suite and Royal Suite, both designed by award winning and world-renowned interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon, offer unmatched views of the Arabian

Gulf and spacious living that allow guests to spread out in style or entertain in the comfort of their own home away from home.

“We’re thrilled to usher in the new year with the completion of these deluxe retreats,” comments General Manager, Jeff Rednour. “Since our re-opening last March, we’ve

been blown away by the positive response extended by our guests and the community, which only fuels our commitment to offer an incomparable hospitality experience.” With 208 square metre, the Presidential Suite offers the seasoned traveller the ultimate in indulgence. Gaze out from floor-to-ceiling windows and enjoy panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf. Revel in a posh entertainment lounge equipped with a 75-inch LED television as well as state-of-the-art technology. Hosting family, friends or clients is effortless with a versatile open layout, spacious dining room and generous living area, including a grand piano.

ble height living room adds an air of grandeur with three balconies providing breath-taking views of the city skyline and Arabian Gulf. Enjoy a private dinner prepared in the gourmet kitchen or a delightful evening hosting guests in the formal dining room, which comfortably seats 14. Retire upstairs to two spacious bedrooms, including a luxurious master bedroom with a spa-like bathroom.

Both luxury suites allow guests to experience the ultimate private escape inclusive of key features such as two bedrooms, two full marble bathrooms with Hermès amenities and guest powder room suitable for six adults or three adults and three children. A capacious working space offering state-of-the-art technology, a fully-fitted equipped kitchen and statement piece, a grand piano in the living room.

Throughout the stay, an on-call personalised butler takes Four Seasons signature service to another level, while carefully heeding guidance from Four Seasons global health and safety program, Lead With Care.

Unwind in the latest offering from Four Seasons Doha luxurious suites, indulging in culinary delights with your loved ones while escaping from the bustling routine to create new memories in your home away from home. by Narges Raiss

Consistent with Pierre-Yves Rochon’s philosophy of blending the hotel into the natural environment, the redesigned suite reflects the soothing colours and tones of the sky, sea and sand. The master bedroom offers sitting and dressing areas, walk-in wardrobes and an en-suite bathroom with spectacular views from the marble bathtub. Most impressive is the 260 square metre Royal Suite, a two-level penthouse, ideal for business and leisure travellers alike with versatile spaces allowing guests to enjoy productivity, precious time with family or entertaining. The dou57

ALWADI HOTEL DOHA HEART OF THE CITY

lwadi Hotel Doha, member of the MGallery Hotel Collection, is a distinctive 5-star boutique hotel located within Msheireb Downtown Doha. A vibrant new retail, commercial and residential development in the booming capital. As the world’s first sustainable downtown regeneration project, Msheireb Downtown Doha takes the country’s unique architectural design into the future, offering a prestigious and dynamic place to discover. With 213 luxurious rooms and suites with enviable amenities, a spectacular ballroom, five superior meeting rooms, a variety of restaurants and an exclusive spa and swimming pool, Alwadi Hotel Doha MGallery Hotel Collection is the ideal choice for business or leisure.

Alwadi Hotel also offers a variety of restaurants to eat and drink combining the best of local culture and cuisine. Each has its own unique atmosphere and ambiance that suits every mood and occasion.

the opulent alfresco poolside venue and enjoy flavourful light meals and refreshing drinks under the stars. O’Glacée is the perfect outdoor venue to enjoy refreshments while relaxing after a long day.

Embark on a culinary journey with a variety of international and local cuisines whilst gaining an insight into Doha’s past. Enjoy your breakfast or lunch in a cosy and welcoming setting at Le Colonial. Make time for yourself at Alwadi Hotel Doha’s signature cafe, located in the magnificent lobby lounge. Set in a charming and relaxed atmosphere serving freshly brewed coffee and delicious desserts. Experience the signature handcrafted High Tea every day from 3pm to 6pm with enticing flavours for a delightful afternoon served with their signature heart-warming beverages. Head to

As the sun sets and Doha sparkles to life, admire the breath taking panoramic views of Doha’s magnificent skyline while sipping on speciality beverages and gourmet bites at Infinity Rooftop Lounge. With unrivalled 360-degree views across the iconic Doha skyline and a menu of expertly crafted food, this has become a sought-after post sunset venue. “Inspired by Jules Verne’s acclaimed novel ‘Around the World in 80 Days’, with 42 cocktails from 28 countries, adorned with historic maps of the world and of course, those amazing

Escape Diaries

Msherieb and city views, the sky is the limit at Infinity,” says Alwadi Hotel MGallery General Manager Mr. Hani Akkari. Enjoy an authentic dining experience with the finest Levant cuisine. At Sofra, you can savour Arabic dishes in a traditional setting, with the interior reflecting the deep cultural heritage of Qatar. Preparex to be amazed by passionate chefs who serve their signature dishes with accompanying stories, using season-

al ingredients from locally sourced markets to ignite the ultimate gastronomical journey. The wellness and spa experience at MSPA is a journey into well-being with lavish facilities. With a selection of crafted treatments and soothing massages the oxygen facial is a clear favourite. The oxygenating and hydrating elements help calm the skin producing the coveted glow. This luxurious balancing ritual features a perfect combination of micro-ex-

foliation, oxygenation and bio-energy massages using intensive biological serum. Thanks to its active agent, the top layer of the skin will be nourished and refreshed, leaving one feeling healthy and revitalized with glowing skin. Alwadi Hotel Doha is both timeless and sophisticated, beautifully appointed yet delightfully relaxed offering a chic atmosphere in the heart of Doha. by Narges Raiss

PRÊT-À-PORTER SCARF 70 CM IN VINTAGE SILK

HERMES SPRING/SUMMER 2021 COLLECTION Objets Hermès Compiled by Narges Raiss SANDAL IN SUEDE GOATSKIN

HARNESS IN SWIFT CALFSKIN AND BIRKIN 30 BAG IN BARÉNIA FAUBOURG CALFSKIN

SANDAL IN SUEDE GOATSKIN, MÉDOR STUD HEEL

CHEVAL PUNK SCARF 100 CM IN CASHMERE AND SILK

ARCEAU SOLEIL WATCH IN DIAMOND-SET STEEL, DIAMOND-SET GLASS, ENGRAVED AND LACQUERED DIAL, STRAP IN ALLIGATOR

CHAÎNE D’ANCRE VERSO DOUBLE RING IN ROSE GOLD AND BLACK CERAMIC

NEREUS 24 GLOBE IN SWIFT CALFSKIN AND STEEL

Runway À La Mode

MUNA SAAD

THE EMPIRE LEGACY

TLN Qatar meets Muna Saad Al-Sulati, a new generation of Qatari designers who are making inroads into fashion with the launch of her premier collection

Runway À La Mode

t first glance, there is a softness in her features, her voice tone and the way she carries herself. Nonetheless, MunaSaad Al-Sulaiti’s determination and drive can clearly be seen during our conversation and we immediately find common ground over our love for my hometown, Paris. The Qatari national has lived in France for most of her young adult life. Majoring in International Affairs, she has been deeply influenced from her life in the French capital during her formative years: “When I decided to continue my higher education in the hub of fashion, Paris, my interest for fashion grew drastically! I was so inspired by everything around me. The city oozes fashion and style to the point that even my university lectures resembled a runway! At university, I was renowned for always making a statement in the way I would style myself, and to me, that’s what fashion is all about.” Her love and interest for fashion design sprung from a very young age. She shares fond childhood memories where creativity is omnipresent: “I was always interested in art and fashion. As a kid I used to style my dolls, myself and family members, finding joy in it but I never really thought I could develop it further.” The boldness and versatility expressed in her designs demand attention. Sheer materials, strategically-placed cut-out dresses and tulle ruffles epitomize the creative direction of MUNA SAAD. When I mentioned that her creations are quite atypical in 73

Runway À La Mode

the local fashion scene, she says: “I love that word. I wanted the designs to be as far away from the norm as possible. My collection should represent the foundations of life and the different ethnicities found around us. The earthy tones, strong silhouettes and lines represent the strength that I aim to convey throughout my brand.” The Empire Legacy collection has already made waves prior to the official launch with a blitzkrieg online campaign reaching her clientele hailing from Europe and East Asia. Her quest is to empower women and make a powerful statement against gender and racial discrimination by highlighting Middle Eastern designs with an international appeal. The photo shoot has been carefully curated, using the power of the sea as a metaphor to a woman’s strength and resilience. “Women are an influential power in a wide variety of aspects,” she tells TLN Qatar. “Through my brand, I want to emphasize the key message of the importance of equality and prevention of racism. I aim to empower women of different physiques, from different cultures, who have gone through various life experiences that give them almost a physical shield, making them feel that they are unstoppable; because they truly are!” The Qatari creative is drawing stories from Middle Eastern culture but designing for the contemporary woman. Encompassing the traditional couturier techniques 74

proper to the region, the label makes use of innovative fabrics and silhouettes to present her first collection in the Qatar fashion scene through her online platform. “Qatar is a melting pot of ethnicities and skills. I believe that it is essential to continue to cultivate and create history, especially in the fashion field, for it to grow and blossom. There are so many talented people in Qatar and I am excited to see how we flourish on a global spectrum.” by Narges Raiss

Runway À La Mode

MOONLIGHT CONCEPT: THE QATARI BRAND “MOONLIGHT CONCEPT IS NOT JUST A FASHION BUSINESS - IT’S A LIFESTYLE”

oonlight concept is a high-end Qatari brand that offers distinctive women fashion designs to transform the traditional concept of fashion into a masterpiece of artwork. With a showroom strategically located on Al-Waab Street, the label keeps in touch with its authenticity and vision. Established in 2011 with the brand ethos of “Be unique and stand out from the crowd,” Muna Al Kaabi, the founder and the head designer of Moonlight Concept, wanted to offer distinguishing designs that exceed the expectations of every elegant, sophisticated and independent woman to compliment her unique personality and sense of style. To thrive in the competitive fashion industry, she shares “You need to define your limits and defeat them, dressing up every day is not just an act to cover our bodies. The way we choose dress is a clear

and unspoken form of expression of how we think and how our personalities are. How we look at ourselves and the world around us is expressed by the way we assemble our outfits.” The talented and self-taught designer had a dream and was passionate enough to make it true. Since an early age, she was always expressing her personality through drawing as each curve and every line tells a different story. Shortly after, she started to sketch out her personal outfits and refused to wear what was available on the market, she always wanted to be unique and wanted to tell her own story through fashion in her own special way with the support of her inner circle of family and friends. Muna Al-Kaabi didn’t become a well-established designer by chance as being talented was not enough: she read every book and attended every course that was available and even sometimes had to travel abroad to attend workshops to expand her knowledge in the business of fashion. As she graduated with a MB in History, her Arabic heritage became

her muse as she never fails to embrace her rich culture and combines it with her own modern and elegant twist. Her vision “be unique and stand out from the crowd” took shape and was addressed in her first abaya

collection which was launched in 2011. With an eye for details combined with the use of different techniques, her love for intricate and luxurious fabric turned her brand into a whole new dimension. She puts all her effort to ensure that the final result is a luxurious piece of art. Starting from fabric sourcing to handwork additions, she commits on using the finest silk threads for embroidery, Swarovski crystals, gold thread- and the list goes on- to produce one-of-a-kind garments. “Abaya is a universal clothing, with modesty, elegance and sophistication at its heart. My aim is to add that uniqueness element in play.” As part of her sustainability effort, Moonlight Concept does not produce a seasonal collection that will vanish after a while, all designs are meant to be a timeless classic work of art. Muna Al Kaabi everlasting love and passion for fashion making inspire her to do more and more, to go further in fashion industry holding tight in her heart her heritage and her authenticity. by Narges Raiss 77

Runway À La Mode

A WOMAN WITH A MISSION: EMPOWERING WOMEN ONE AT A TIME LA COLECCIÓN INSIJAM BY JOHARA AL SUWAIDI

asa Johara is a unique fashion brand founded by Johara Al- Suwaidi known and abbreviated to ‘Casa J.’ The Qatari-Mexican fashion designer tells TLN Qatar from where she draws inspiration and her profound desire to empower women all over the world. “My ultimate inspiration to creating Casa Johara didn’t solely come from the love I have for art and design, but for the ultimate goal to, ‘Dare to be you.’ This is a journey I have gathered the courage to take, in the hope of being able to inspire and support others as well. Men or women.” states Johara Al Suwaidi.

Johara Al Suwaidi

Her desire to connect on a larger scale, promote and implement what she truly

believes in, reflects in her actions. She is a champion of all causes making a positive impact through her passion for art and design. “This could mean anything from creating fun family bonds through fashion, protecting the environment by practicing zero waste and recycling as much possible, or cruelty-free by not using animal products in order to fulfil what I believe is my purpose on Earth.” This year’s first ever collection that will be launched by Casa Johara is called “La Colección Insijam”. The words ‘La Colección’ is Spanish for ‘The Collection,’ and the Arabic word, ‘Insijam,’ means ‘Harmony.’ A Qatari-Mexican fusion name that reflects the brands identity and the designer’s roots.

Runway À La Mode

The collection consists of 6 designs for women and 6 for little girls, in grey, beige and dusty rose. La Colección Insijam, incorporates silhouettes that complement a woman’s figure, in optimal comfort, giving women an “everyday couture” stance. The First collection consists of a twinning Mommy and me, big sister and me or aunty and me concept, or simply for a woman of any cultural background looking for a luxurious yet comfortable piece to wear. Alongside the twinning concept, the designs consist of kaftans, sirwal jumpsuits and sporty-chic jumpsuits which creates a fun and fashionable way to bond with family and friends. All whilst taking into consideration the brands support of

green and animal friendly fashion. Johara Al Suwaidi says the brand’s ethos, “La colección Insijam”, has always been my subconscious and conscious approach to life. Nature has always been a great inspiration throughout my travels. The moon, the sun and the ocean are the driving factors of the collection. Incorporating my cultural background and reinterpreting it in a modern context by introducing the design elements that represent the Qatari and Mexican cultural elements in a subtle way. As a result a perfect ‘Insijam,’ of what I love and represents me most is my surroundings in nature and my cultural heritage.” by Narges Raiss

Runway À La Mode

DIOR UNVEILS ITS NEW B27 SNEAKERS

ior unveils exclusively online and in a selection of stores the B27 sneakers, a new fashion statement for men and an expression of the sportswear spirit Kim Jones, Artistic Director of Dior men’s collections, adores. Channeling diverse inspirations, from the vintage look of ’80s tennis shoes to the skateboarding universe, these new sneakers feature an urban, sporty and refined line. The new B27s combine Dior’s creative audacity with its leather-working heritage. Each step of the manufacturing process, from edge dying to topstitch, reflects the exceptional savoir-faire of the Petites mains in the House’s Italian workshops. The result is a sophisticated assemblage with combined and layered inlays to create a unique three-dimensional effect.

Runway À La Mode

New in Tech

BANG & OLUFSEN EXPANDS ITS BEOVISION TV PORTFOLIO TIMELESS DESIGN AND AWARD-WINNING SOUND PERFORMANCE

ang & Olufsen today announced the expansion of its TV portfolio with the new 48” Beovision Contour, updates to Beovision Eclipse-55 2nd Generation and the addition of Beovision Harmony Motorized Floor Stand to its outstanding collection. “Sound is more than half the picture” is at the heart of Bang & Olufsen’s Beovision philosophy. Combining an integrated 3-channel powerful sound system with the latest generation OLED TV technology from LG Electronics, renowned for excellent visuals, Bang & Olufsen’s TV portfolio guarantees a truly immersive home entertainment experience. This winning formula makes Bang & Olufsen one of its kind in the market by offering the best in performance whilst maintaining an uncompromising approach to design and

craftsmanship. With the launch of Beovision Contour, Bang & Olufsen’s TV portfolio now offers a range of TVs available in 48” to 88” screen sizes with three diverse concepts to suit any requirement: • The minimalist 48” Beovision Contour delivers an all-in-one TV and music experience achieved using sound technology based on the award-winning Beosound Stage • The 55” and 65” Beovision Eclipse offers a superior TV and music experience and can be connected to external speakers via the built-in surround sound decoder to create even more cinematic impact. The addition of a motorized floor stand and wall bracket allows for a high degree of placement flexibility • Beovision Harmony is designed as a centerpiece for large screen cinematic home entertainment, covering screen sizes 65” to 88”. With a built-in 7.1 surround sound decoder, it is possible to connect eight Beolab speakers such as Beolab 18, Beolab 50 and Beolab 90 for the ultimate cinematic experience. The customer can choose from an array of different colours and finishes to create a unified aesthetic across products. It is also possible to create a bespoke finish on Beovision Harmony, Beolab 50 and Beolab 90 for those who wish to own a completely unique product Beovision Contour Beovision Contour is an all in one cinema and music experience within a

single unit, allowing you the freedom to use it as a primary or secondary depending on the size of your home.

New in Tech

Beovision Contour can be placed anywhere for optimum décor integration, whether it be in the kitchen, bedroom or living room, positioned on the floor, wall or table. Beovision Contour has been created to conceal unnecessary clutter whilst revealing timeless design elements and natural materials to compliment any home interior. Choose from three colourways available in Silver, Black Anthracite and a beautiful Gold Tone, with matching fabric or wood veneer finishes for the speaker front cover. The wood veneer is available in Light Oak or Smoked Oak to match your colour option for the aluminium frame. All cables are routed through the centre rear of the TV and hidden from view, offering a holistic 360-degree design, which allows the TV to remain visually appealing from any angle. “We are excited to launch Beovision Contour, a screen viewing experience that doesn’t compromise on quality or design aesthetics despite its size. Our customers tell us there is a need for a mid-sized screen solution with flexible placement options built to the highest standards of performance and design, which is why we made Beovision Contour”, says Christoffer Østergaard Poulsen, SVP of Product Management at Bang & Olufsen. Three stand options have been designed as an integrated element of Beovision Contour to create its minimalist appearance. The aluminium floor stand can be manually turned 180 degrees either side to ensure the best viewing experience and has a light and modern aesthetic. If you would rather mount your Beovision Contour on the wall, Bang & Olufsen have cleverly engineered a wall bracket that allows you to move and angle the TV to suit your viewing arrangement. Bang & Olufsen have also created a tabletop stand made from a solid, rectangular aluminium billet to ensure that the TV can be placed on a shelf or floor. Evolved from Bang & Olufsen’s design language and designed in collaboration with Torsten Valeur, Beovision Contour is classic and simplistic, stripped of superfluousness. The magnificent aluminium frame that outlines the screen inspired the name of ‘Contour’, showcasing Bang & Olufsen’s unrivalled expertise in aluminium manufacturing at Factory 5 in Struer, Denmark. The anodization to the surface of the aluminium has been achieved by a process of silver polishing before etching to create a satin finish that is both refined and delicate. Behind the speaker cover of Beovision Contour are eleven powerful speaker drivers and amplifiers with sound technology from the award-winning Beosound Stage. It also includes 4 x 4-inch bass drivers custom designed with focus on allowing bigger cone movement which provides an improved bass performance down to 30 Hz. Equipped with the latest-generation 48” OLED screen from LG, Beovision Contour is second to none when it comes to realistic colour rendering, and absolute black levels which allows for the full Bang & Olufsen TV experience. All integrated sources can be conveniently controlled by the Beoremote One, a remote crafted from a single, extruded piece of aluminium. 85

Beovision Eclipse 2nd Gen After the success of the best-selling Beovision Eclipse 1st Gen available in the most popular screen sizes of 55” and 65”, Bang & Olufsen have launched Beovision Eclipse 2nd Gen. This has been updated to include the latest LG OLED GX screen technology and a sound-centre upgrade to cater for the new screen. The Beovision Eclipse 2nd Gen offers a superior TV and music experience due to its integrated powerful 3-channel stereo setup, which ensures crisp and detailed speech and dialogue. It is now possible to connect wired and wirelessly to additional Beolab speakers via the integrated surround sound decoder, enabling a fully-fledged 7.1 channel immersive cinematic experience. You can now turn the TV screen to your favourite viewing position with the push of a button thanks to the addition of a motorized floor stand or motorized wall bracket, offering a high degree of placement flexibility. Beovision Harmony Floor Stand The concept for Beovision Harmony was to integrate a very large screen in a main room by staging the experience with magical movement. This created a solution to the dominance of a black screen when a TV is not WWin use and was achieved by partially covering the screen with the speaker covers. The iconic Bang & Olufsen cinematic sound performance is delivered with brilliant speech intelligibility and power, whilst the imaginative design transforms Beovision Harmony into much more than a lifeless black screen when not in use. This TV has been taken to the next level with the addition of a new motorized floor stand available in Silver, 86

Brass tone, Bronze tone and Gold tone to match the aluminium covers. Beovision Harmony Floor Stand gives you more placement choices and provides a perfect viewing experience from every angle. The motorized stand has been carefully orchestrated to complement the movement of Beovision Harmony and provides an even more impressive staging of the experience. Bang & Olufsen’s Beovision portfolio demonstrates its uncompromising approach to design, craftmanship and sound performance to offer the ultimate cinematic and immersive audio-visual moments.

Pricing and availability The Beovision Contour, inc. wall bracket (RRP 5700 EUR / 5150 GBP / 40000 DKK) ), Beovision Eclipse-55 2nd Gen, inc. motorized floor stand (RRP 17400 EUR / 15100 GBP / 127400 DKK ) are available online and in Bang & Olufsen stores in Europe from November 2020. Global availability from February 2021. Beovision Harmony 65” inc. wood covers and motorized floor stand (RRP 17400 EUR / 15100 GBP / 127400 DKK) is available online and in Bang & Olufsen stores. To find out more, follow the conversation at @bangolufsen on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter ,YouTube and Linkedin using #BeovisionContour, #BeovisionHarmony and #BeovisionEclipse. For further information, please contact: Bethan Beckett, Global PR Manager Email: bebe@bangolufsen.dk Phone: +45 9684 1888

Hot off the press!

k n i P n i y Prett

We are so excited to announce the launch of EL&N London in Qatar! London’s most Instagrammable café chain are expanding overseas, with the first International branch launching right here in Msheireb, Doha.

Founded in August 2017 by Alexandra Miller, EL&N opened the doors to it’s first café in the heart of Mayfair, London. Fast forward three years, numerous successful London locations and a beautiful brand story, EL&N London has become one of the most Instagrammed destinations in the world, with iconic flower walls, pink interiors and quirky alternative lattes taking social media by storm. The EL&N brand embodies creativity, style and optimism and a dedicated team of baristas, chefs, marketeers and industry experts work together to bring the EL&N vision to life. EL&N stands for Eat, Live and Nourish. All that EL&N creates is informed by these 3 guiding touch points: the most delectable food and drink offering in a stunning setting, products for living a stylish life and a positive ethos to nourish your soul. Expanding into the International market, EL&N will be opening it’s very first café outside of London in Doha, located in the Galleria Mall, Msheireb. Expect to see stunning interiors as designed by Alexandra

and her team of creatives, an exquisite food and cake offering and of course, speciality coffee for the caffeine lovers. EL&N is set to open it’s doors to the public in mid March, find the full store address and social media details below. Find us at, Gallaria Mall, Ni Jalmood Street, Doha. Follow us on Instagram @elan_cafe or see our website www.elnlondon.com.

@ELAN_CAFE W W W. E L N L O N D O N . C O M

New in Tech

LOUIS VUITTON HORIZON EARPHONES DESIGNED BY VIRGIL ABLOH Louis Vuitton releases a new design of the cutting-edge Horizon Wireless Earphones imagined by Virgil Abloh. Joining the four existing earphone designs, the new black and neon green edition plays with some of the Men’s Artistic Director’s recent signatures. Puffed black matte acetate is embossed with the Monogram motif and topped with a neon green Monogram flower for a fashion-forward effect.

On the Lookout

DOLCE&GABBANA AND SMEG DISCOVER THE COLLECTION OF SMALL APPLIANCES, NOW AVAILABLE ON SMEG’S DEDICATED ONLINE STORE: SICILY IS MY LOVE.

icilian aesthetics and state of the art technology meet in this collaboration between Dolce&Gabbana and Smeg. Joining creative forces in a truly authentic Made in Italy project, discover Sicily is my Love: a unique collection of domestic appliances created by Smeg with distinct Dolce&Gabbana decorative motifs. Nothing will brighten up your kitchen quite like this blender, toaster, citrus juicer and kettle! The fusion of style, art, fashion design and appliance manufacturing results in a collection of original and unique electrical appliances. All the products are decorated with symbols that are inextricably associated to Sicily, and more generally with Italy and its cuisine, of which Smeg has always been an interpreter of excellence.

On the Lookout

The limited edition blender is characterized by a bright yellow base with traditional Sicilian decorations.

The marvellous two-slice toaster is an exclusive limited edition, decorated with traditional motifs of the famous Sicilian carts.

The limited edition kettle is characterized by the unique Sicilian cart motifs and colourful patterns.

The limited edition citrus juicer tells an all-Sicilian story, adorned with different bright and vivacious colours. 91

Market Vision

THE ST REGIS DOHA WAY TO REFLECT LUXURY IN THE QATARI MARKET LUXURIOUS EXPERIENCES AT THE ST. REGIS DOHA THROUGH PERSONALIZATION

rriving at the St Regis Doha is in many ways, similar to stepping into the pages of a luxury travel magazine. Welcomed by the imposing and impressive oryx proudly displayed as you enter, one cannot stop but wonder about the grandeur of the place. Ideally located in the heart of West Bay, neighbouring the cultural village of Katara and overlooking the Arabian Gulf, the property features 336 elegant guestrooms with magnificent sea views, including 58 sophisticated suites, among them two Presidential suites spread over 720 square meters. The rooms and suites located on the second floor feature a terrace to enjoy the breeze of the ocean. Wissam Suleiman, the general manager of the St. Regis Doha says, “Our guests experience luxury through the bespoke activities that we impeccably curate for them every day. Personalization, quality and attention to detail have become the focus of our guests since 2020. The meaning and value of luxury in the Qatari mar92

ket have become directly linked to making each person feel unique. St. Regis Doha has been offering guests unparalleled luxury experiences and personalized services since its opening in 2012 in Qatar. Our Guests enjoy the brand’s signature St. Regis Butler Service, which offers around-the-clock service and customizes each guest’s stay according to their tastes and preferences. Whilst we have stayed true to the legacy of the iconic St. Regis brand throughout the years, the hotel is poised to constantly introduce a new benchmark for luxury and refined taste in Qatar. In addition to the bespoke services given to every guest staying with us, we are reflecting luxury in Qatar by curating dining experiences to perfect every aspect of every minute by recognizing our guests’ individuality”. During 2021, the property continues to innovate bespoke experiences impeccably crafted to satisfy guests’ tastes. They have recently launched a dining experience in St. Regis luxurious private cabanas, which includes a Jacuzzi, where guests can indulge in a lavish BBQ dinner

crafted for them and their loved ones by a private chef in their private cabana. When asked about the new features guests can expect from an institution such as St Regis, he says “We have recently launched St. Regis private beach gazebos, located at the hotel’s pristine beach, that offer a unique dining experience curated to take the traditional outings to an unparalleled level for those who are seeking to create timeless memories with their loved ones. We continue to raise the bar of luxury experiences in Qatar, making us not only the finest, but also the most sought-after address in Qatar.” Aesthetics and connectivity reflects on the property ethos with the interior decor a seductive blend of timeless style and Middle Eastern inspiration celebrating the modern connoisseur. With a focus on tradition blended with innovation and commitment to impeccable service, the guest is at the centre of an extraordinary legacy. A stay at the St. Regis Doha offers exclusive and exceptional facilities that includes an extensive array of leisure and recreational facilities. Featuring the first Remede Spa in the Middle East, an Olympic-size swimming pool, a private beach and nine exclusive cabanas with jacuzzis. The hotel boasts 13 distinctive culinary and lounge experiences featuring some of the world’s most renowned chefs to create scrumptious selections inspired by Middle Eastern and international cuisines. The distinctive award-winning Lebanese restaurant Al Sultan Brahim, Qatars finest steakhouse, Astor Grill, The Roof Top, Oyster Bay and Sarab Lounge are a few dining options available. St Regis is a quintessential address, complete with thoughtfully layered luxury, where no indulgence is left unattended. by Narges Raiss 93

UNPRECEDENTED ACCESS TO LUXURY REAL-ESTATE

Market Vision

Reinventing traditional white-glove service with modern, fully-remote digital transactions, Afield Real Estate is providing Doha’s elite with unprecedented access to the most exclusive luxury properties in the U.S. ‘Location, location, location.’ True connoisseurs of the luxury lifestyle know that the old maxim about the three most important qualities of any property holds doubly true when it comes to the exclusive world of luxury real estate. While there are cities around the globe with breathtaking vistas and phenomenal amenities, the United States continues to offer a combination of scenery, culture, cuisine, exclusivity, and access that is unmatched. Whether you’re in the market for a chic bigcity getaway, a secluded ski chalet, or a beachfront estate built for entertaining, the U.S. is the only place where you can have it all while rubbing elbows with the world’s biggest names and brightest stars. Now, U.S. based real estate company, Afield, is bringing the U.S. market to Doha in a whole new way. After moving to Qatar in 2019, Afield’s founder, Mari Pearce, realized just how many unnecessary hurdles buyers face when trying to add exclusive listings to their portfolios. Along with her partners, Claire Boyte-White and Lesley Clarke, Pearce has developed a new kind of real estate company. Their goal: to keep the white glove service that highend buyers expect, but to cut out all the inefficiencies of doing things ‘the old fashioned way’. “Buying luxury real estate should be fun,” Pearce says. “Constant back-and-forth with agents, long flights, paperwork, having to show up to sign documents – all of that detracts from the joy our clients should be feeling when they add a new one-of-a-kind property to their portfolio. We leverage our high-level logistical savvy, along with modern transactional technology, to keep the excitement but cut out the clutter of traditional real estate transactions.” For the first edition of The Luxury Network Magazine- Qatar Edition, we asked Afield’s entire leadership team to provide some insight into the U.S. luxury market and how they’re doing things differently.

Let’s start out with some introductions, shall we? Being a team of female entrepreneurs, we’d love to hear how you all work together to create this unique company. Mari Pearce: Absolutely! As for our roles, I’m Afield’s founder and our on-the-ground representative in Qatar. My role as President is more about the big picture and making sure our clients receive the kind of personal service we pride ourselves on. I’m a licensed California real estate agent, so I do handle those transactions personally, but I’m also the point of contact for all our Doha clientele regardless of where they’re buying. If you reach out to discuss our offerings, I’m the one taking you to coffee! Lesley Clarke: I’m Afield’s Vice President of Operations, which means I’m essentially the managing partner. I’m also a licensed real estate agent in Florida with licensing pending in Washington State, so I handle many of our luxury transactions personally, in Miami in particular. Regardless of whether I’m the representing agent, however, my role on the team is to remove as much of the friction from every transaction as possible – so I’m the one making sure we have what we need from agents, brokers, lenders, and notaries so we can let our clients enjoy the excitement of the process without getting bogged down in the logistics. Claire Boyte-White: Lesley is the one who keeps the trains running on time. My title is Executive Vice President, and my focus is really on analysis and U.S. net-

work management. So I’m the point person for a lot of our U.S. network partners, making sure we have access to off-market options and other exclusive properties the average consumer won’t even find out about. I also serve as Afield’s marketing lead, developing new initiatives and programs like the upcoming launch of our new invite-only real estate club, PRIVÉ Exclusive. Tell us about the Afield service offering and how it’s different.

MP: Our goal for Afield isn’t to just reinvent real estate transactions to be completely hands-off, because the personal aspect is what makes this career so rewarding. The genuine relationships we get to build with our clients are what enables us to provide them with the services they want – I’m not bringing in listings and saying ‘here’s what you need, buy this’. I’m sitting down, asking about the kids, asking about their lives and saying ‘what kind of experience are you looking for, what gap in your portfolio are you looking to fill?’ CBW: Absolutely. The question isn’t ‘who will buy this property’, it’s ‘how can we bring a new level of, whatever it is – of luxury, comfort, excitement, relaxation, exclusivity, wellness, fun, adventure – whatever their need is, how can we facilitate that experience?’. LC: Our service is truly bespoke, the way white-glove service should be, but we’re bringing in this modern element of remote transactions and global networks that provides 95

Market Vision

our clients with a level of simplicity and access they didn’t have before. So I think for us it’s also, internally, a question of ‘how can we serve our clients in an innovative way?’ What does Innovation in real estate mean to you? LC: In real estate, globally, I think, there’s this sort of attitude of ‘if it isn’t broken, why fix it?’, and that’s really not the way we approach things at all. We believe there’s always a way to be better, to provide a higher and more customized service level. Especially today, with new remote technologies being developed all the time, there’s just so much room to take what’s working and elevate it using modern tools. And what we’ve found is that clients are actually so surprised that we can do these things without a bunch of legwork on their end, that it doesn’t have to be a hassle to buy real estate from overseas. CBW: And I think the extent of our services has come as a surprise to clients as well, that it doesn’t end when your transaction is complete. Even if you’re not planning on visiting your new property for a while, we can arrange for your assistant or representative to visit, we can arrange for security, interior design, whatever it is you need, we have the networks to make it happen. And I think that’s just a level of service that no one had really considered ‘necessary’ – but we’re not about what’s necessary, we’re about what’s possible. What is it about the U.S. luxury market that stands out to you and that would be of interest to Qatar? LC: Honestly? The luxury market here is like nothing else. There are luxury properties all over the world, and no one is saying that Monaco or Paris aren’t phenomenal places to own real estate. But the U.S…. it’s just… bigger, brighter, I guess. It’s larger than life. MP: Yes, that’s the thing: it’s got this energy that just can’t be contained. There’s this buzz, this excitement, in places like New York or Malibu or Miami that you just can’t find anywhere else. Even just geographically, it’s a large enough country that you can have literally any type of climate or scenery; you can live next door to the biggest stars and most successful business moguls on the planet; 96

you can have access to the types of events and cultural experiences most people only read about; AND you can benefit from one of the most consistently lucrative real estate markets on the planet. CBW: Absolutely. I think that’s something people tend to forget when talking about property that won’t be used as, say, a rental. The truth is that even luxury real estate is an investment, and despite ups and downs – even some very dramatic ones – the U.S. luxury market has consistently increased in value over time. Since the buyers and sellers of luxury properties are relatively insulated from the volatility of lower tier markets, these properties tend to retain value longer, even during an economic downturn. Our clients are in a position to view market fluctuations from a much higher perspective, so it’s not about year-

Market Vision

to-year changes, it’s bigger than that, it’s generational. And from that perspective, the U.S. real estate market is one of the safest investments in history. What are your words of advice for buyers in Qatar and around the world looking to purchase luxury U.S. real estate?

LC: Well, I think for most clients at this level, they’re probably already in on the secret – it’s all about who you know. There are luxury listings online and plenty of real estate ‘services’ that will do some pretty aggressive marketing, but at the end of the day, truly exclusive opportunities are word of mouth. Getting in the door with an offer on a Rockefeller-era mansion, or a one of a kind Zaha Hadid project, is a matter of having networks in place. CBW: That’s true, the real secret isn’t much of a secret anymore – it’s all about relationships. That’s one of the major values we bring to the table at Afield – we’re not a huge company but our networks are national. Whether it’s listing agents with the hottest off-market properties in the Hamptons or Bahamas, or big name developers putting together plans for a new NYC high-rise, we’ve already put in the legwork creating those connections so that our clients don’t have to. MP: I think that’s also what sets us apart, though. We’ve spent the past few years just building our networks, making real connections, thinking long term about what our clients want from us and working to put that into practice. I think that our more collaborative, big picture energy is somewhat unique in the industry and something our clients really respond to. We’re not worried about making a quick sale, we’re building long term connections on an individual level – because in the end that’s better service, which makes it better business.

Now that you have this presence in Doha, you’re obviously working with more Qatar-based clients. What can you tell us about your clients here in Qatar so far? What are they looking for and what sets them apart? MP: I’d say the number one thing I’ve noticed about luxury clients in Qatar is that – probably even more so than luxury clients in the U.S. – they are really looking for something exclusive or unique. There is a level of sophistication here when it comes to large acquisitions. They definitely still look for practical purchases or long-term investments – like condos near a university their children may attend in the future, for example – but they’re often also looking for that special property to be the ‘jewel in their crown’. The Qatari elite are at a much higher level of affluence and influence than even the average highnet-worth individual, so they tend to have extremely discerning tastes. So, it’s not just a matter of buying the Manhattan pied-à-terre and the Malibu beach house – although they want those, too – but they’re also always sort of keeping an eye out for those one-of-a-kind properties that no one else has. So, for our Qatari clients, it’s a mix of acquiring idyllic places for them to stay when they want to visit and learning about what their high-level dream acquisition is – then working to make it a reality. LC: I think that focus on exclusivity and sort of a holistic approach to their acquisitions is the reason our Qatari clientele also tend to really enjoy the ‘bespoke experience’ aspects of the Afield service. When we say full-service, we really mean it, so we’ve worked to create networks that allow us to handle car service, security, event access, yacht charters – all the extras that make owning a piece of U.S. luxury real estate worthwhile. Because it isn’t just about the real estate, it’s about the lifestyle. by Narges Raiss 97

Market Vision

FAIRMONT & RAFFLES: THE NEW HOSPITALITY ICON OF THE 21ST CENTURY KATARA HOSPITALITY EXPANDS PARTNERSHIP WITH ACCOR THROUGH SIGNING OF FIRST FAIRMONT & RAFFLES HOTEL & RESIDENCES IN QATAR

atara Hospitality, a leading global hotel owner, developer and operator based in Qatar, today announced a new partnership with Accor, a world-leading hospitality group with the two-fold signing of Raffles and Fairmont hotels in Qatar. The management agreement was signed by His Excellency Sheikh Nawaf Bin Jassim Bin Jabor Al-Thani, Chairman of Katara Hospitality and Mr. Sébastien Bazin, Chairman & CEO of Accor. The agreement signing was held at Katara Hospitality headquarters in Doha in the presence of Katara Hospitality Management represented by Mr. Andrew Humphries, Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Kamal Rhazali, General Counsel, Mr. Irfan Sharief, Chief Asset Management Officer, Mr. Juan Aguilar, Acting Chief Technical Officer. As well as Accor Management represented by Mr. Mark Willis, CEO India, Middle East, Africa & Turkey and Mr. Gaurav Bhushan, CEO of Accor’s Lifestyle Brands.

The agreement consolidates the long-standing partnership between Accor and Katara Hospitality, whom already own several landmark hotels managed by Accor, with the property set to open in 2022. Once completed, the Fairmont Hotel and Raffles Hotel & Residences will join the brand’s worldwide portfolio, known to be the world’s largest collection of historic and iconic hotels. As with any Fairmont property around the world, guests will find themselves immersed in a local authentic environment. Similarly when visiting the Raffles, guests will discover the individual personality and story offered by the hotel. At the essence of every Raffles is to deliver thoughtful, personal and discreet service to well-travelled guests. On this occasion, His Excellency Sheikh Nawaf bin Jassim bin Jabor Al Thani, Chairman, Katara Hospitality said: “Katara Hospitality is one of the first investors that understood the significance of the project, committing to developing the hospitality icon of Doha for

Market Vision

the 21st Century in the State of Qatar. We are confident the ethos of Accor brand is a strategic fit for this iconic project as it is important that we have an operator who understands our vision and strategy, while ensuring it occupies its rightful position in the local and global marketplaces when it opens next year.” “The world’s most loved cities are often identified through imagery and landmark buildings. We strongly believe the property we are developing will provide Qatar with an architectural symbol that is known and understood right across the globe. Our aim is to create the hospitality icon of the 21st Century that is within one of the world’s most exciting urban developments. Our vision is to set new standards that go beyond the borders of the hospitality industry and provide a landmark location that is instantly recognised internationally,” His Excellency Sheikh Nawaf, added. “While we regard 2022 as a milestone in the country’s development, this new property in Lusail will also occupy a focal point for residents and travellers during the FIFA World Cup. We believe that this is our opportunity to showcase a country that has grown into an international destination and Katara Hospitality will create the landmark to underpin lifetime memories.” Sheikh Nawaf concluded: “As Qatar National Vision 2030 creates the perfect framework for us, we will continue to develop peerless hospitality at home and abroad that are not only jewels in our portfolio but are emblematic for Qatar as well.”

on the world stage in the years to come. The arrival of the Raffles and Fairmont brands in Qatar marks an important milestone for Accor, as we endeavour to bring their distinctive levels of quality and luxurious service to residents and travellers alike. We thank Katara, one of our most valued partners, for once again entrusting us with such a unique project, which is set to become a landmark, not only in Qatar, but in the region.” Symbolically intertwined with Qatar’s heritage, the Iconic Towers in Lusail are an architectural translation of Qatar’s national seal, representing the traditional scimitar swords. Raising gracefully from the podium level, the arched towers will host a luxurious five-star hotel with 361 rooms and suites to cater to discerning business travellers, a lavish six-star hotel with 132 suites to meet the needs of those seeking sophisticated luxury accommodation and 49 branded apartments to become home to permanent residents. State-ofthe-art entertainment and recreational facilities, including specialist boutiques, VIP movie theatres, signature restaurants and a private Cigar Lounge are to be complemented by exquisite banqueting and conference spaces, as well as office dedicated areas.

Sebastien Bazin, Chairman & CEO of Accor commented, “We are extremely excited to announce this iconic property and to showcase it 99

Market Vision

“We believe Qatar to be an ideal place to spend a few days in the Middle East: there is a rich variety of beaches, it features year round sunshine, and the food is equal to the best the region has to offer” said Mr. Andrew Humphries, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Katara Hospitality. We are happy to collaborate again with Accor to open the first Raffles and Fairmont properties in Qatar, which we believe will position Qatar as a leading luxury, lifestyle and conference destination locally and globally”. “This is a unique opportunity to consolidate Fairmont and Raffles image in the Middle East, with both hotels sitting in on of the most iconic building of the region, indeed an incredible showcase for both brands”, said Mark Willis, CEO of Accor India, Middle East, Africa and Turkey. Mark Willis adds: “We expect that these prop-

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erties, with their iconic design and unrivalled presence, will become an architectural emblem and reference in Luxury in Doha”. Accor currently operates six properties (1,378 keys) in Qatar across five brands including Movenpick, Mondrian and MGallery, with nine additional hotels (2,920 keys) in the pipeline. Having been at the forefront of the hospitality industry for over 50 years, Katara Hospitality has built a portfolio of iconic hotels in Qatar and key international gateways. An experienced hotel owner, developer and operator, the group has been a hospitality pioneer in Qatar. Today, Katara Hospitality’s portfolio of operating hotels and those under development has reached 42 assets globally, encompassing over 8,000 rooms, while it aims to reach 60 properties by 2030. by Narges Raiss

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MSHEIREB DOWNTOWN DOHA Qatar’s new sustainable district and the global destination of creativity

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Qatar In Focus

A Smart City with Soul Msheireb Properties, the leading sustainable real estate development company in Qatar, revealed the new brand campaign of its flagship city Msheireb Downtown Doha, reflecting the true essence of the smartest and most sustainable city district in the world.

line reflects the main concept of the city of the future built with humanity and cultural identity at its core. It will also enhance Msheireb Downtown Doha as the place where humanity and cultural identity connect, giving soul to the space around it and ensuring a better quality of life to current and future generations.

The new tagline, “Smart City with Soul”, was unveiled in a special event held at Barahat Msheireb in Msheireb Downtown Doha and was attended by Msheireb Properties management and marketing team.

Eng. Ali Al Kuwari, Acting CEO of Msheireb Properties, said: “Msheireb Downtown Doha represents the essence of Qatar thanks to its position in the memories and hearts of Qataris. We are proud to present such a modern city while preserving its architectural spirit, which represents a source of national pride for everyone. Today, we are

Aiming to reposition Msheireb Downtown Doha as a ‘Smart City with Soul’, the tag-

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Qatar In Focus

Properties with the participation of representatives of design districts from around the world. Doha Design District will enhance Msheireb Downtown Doha’s position as a district of art and creativity and serve as a state-ofthe-art center for local designers to flourish. It will also attract local, regional, and global reputable designers to be part of the new district. From a business perspective, the new design district supports Qatar National Vision 2030 by focusing on new industries and supporting economic diversification.

launching the new tagline “Smart City with Soul”, clearly reflecting what Msheireb Downtown Doha is all about, and sends a clear message that looking to the future doesn’t mean we overlook our history or traditions”. “We are moving to a new phase where Msheireb Downtown Doha has become a main part of the country’s major attractions and the beating heart of the capital. The smart and sustainable city is the new hub, offering people a new way of living, working and entertaining”, he added. Doha Design District The launch of the new design hub was announced in the virtual summit that Msheireb

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Ali Al-Kuwari says “Doha Design District will be the new permanent home for ideas, innovations and projects, providing affordable workspace to all creative industries. Design Districts are important throughout the world. They are the face of their cities and a part of the people’s culture and identity. Since inception, our city was intended to be not only smart and sustainable, but also a beautiful destination that reflects a design aesthetic that blends Qatar’s past and future. We believe design is beauty, and cities should be beautiful - places to feel hope and happiness.” Doha Design District will be home to galleries, showrooms, creative services, stores, and even eateries and cafes. Here you can find the most exciting names, classics, trendsetters, and so much more. Centered on innovation and creativity, Doha Design Destrict aims to be a world-class destination that prioritizes the needs of creatives. It will be a landmark in Qatar and the region and attract local and regional designers to interact with their global peers. Interior Design Manager at Maheireb properties, Shaikha Al Sulaiti, explained the importance of interior design, its impact on our daily lives, and its contribution to mankind. Al Sulaiti stressed that the new hub’s role is

vital as a center of collaboration with Arab and international designers to exchange expertise with the wider community. David MacAdam, senior leasing consultant at Mshweireb Properties talked about the inception of Doha Design District, its initiatives and significance in Msheireb Downtown Doha, and its impact on the international level. Additionally, Whitney Robinson, former editor of Elle Décor and senior design consultant to Qatar Museums, discussed the work undertaken with international designers to launch the CP Club Townhouses Project in Msheireb Downtown Doha. Sheikha Najla Al Thani shed light on Qatar’s design landscape, sustainable fashion, and its impact on the environment, stressing the importance of the sustainable fashion industry to preserve our resources and protect our environment. In addition, representatives and CEOs of international design districts from Miami, London, and Brera (Italy) talked about the importance of design districts to their cities and the regions and how they emerged from an idea to a reality. Martin Fryzelka from the international design house Preciosa showcased how they use light as a design element to inspire and connect people, and shed light on the history of his company and its role in promoting crystal designs across the world. The CEO of Msheireib properties concludes “Thanks to the hard work and effort of all of those involved in bringing Doha Design District to life, Msheireb Downtown Doha will provide the ideal platform for corporates and entrepreneurs to boost their business, accomplish growth and serve our community as well as the whole region”. by Narges Raiss

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MIDWOOD ISTANBUL FILM STUDIO COMPLEX & LUXURY COMPLEX A GIFT TO THE FILM STUDIO INDUSTRY GLOBALLY, FROM TURKEY TO THE WORLD

“The legendary Hollywood productions will soon be filmed in Turkey.” What would you say? This is not a dream but reality itself! Thanks to Midwood, the foundations of which were laid by Ahmet San, the center of the cinema industry in the world will now be the best town in Istanbul at Buyucekmece, the Beverly Hills of Istanbul. “Ahmet San is the architect of the largest events and concerts in Turkey for the last 40 years.” When we asked Ahmet San about the projects he said: I have drawn the “boundaries of the sector.” After completing 40 years in the music industry I turned my route to the cinema industry.

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The construction of the movie studios will be one of the biggest in Europe and the World and it has just started. He added Midwood Istanbul Film Studios Complex will be a huge support for Turkish tourism and the economy. How did the transition to the cinema sector happen?

Sandal, Tarkan, Sezen Aksu, Sertab Erener, at the same time. My job has always been about setting the standards in the industry. I saw that I was doing everything in my field until 2014 and I lost my excitement. I started thinking about what I can do stronger besides music, and I thought I would do something for the cinema sector, which requires collaboration with music.

I was a student at the university when I entered the music market. Starting in 1973 until 2000, I tried to create the important details of the [music] sector in Turkey. 20 years after bringing in the world’s greatest stars such as Madonna and Michael Jackson to name a few, I turned to Turkish artists and di- How did the 2021 project rected famous artists such as Ke- develop? nan Doğulu, Burak Kut, Mustafa Our Turkish TV series started selling in 60-70 countries. I evaluated all the market facts. In 2015, I gave life to a very different project in the cinema sector. “This must be what the industry needed, which was an undisputed infrastructure,” I said. I decided to bring professional standards to the industry. I visited major studios around the world, examined how they work, and analyzed what stages they went through. In 2016, I decided to realize a big studio project. Midwood Istanbul Studio Complex: Turkey’s first and only, Europe’s largest project that will be among the few in the world.

Club Culture

Ahmet San

When will the construction end? I hope some parts of it will be finished in a year, and the whole project will be finished in two years. What will it be like once the construction is finished?

It will be established on 500,000 square meters of land. Designed with advanced engineering solutions, 21 separate sound stages, 17 open sets, 18 production workshops will serve the cinema, TV series, and advertising sector with all the equipment needed for shooting. Tell us about the luxury component in the project? A hotel beyond the 5-star standard that will host world-famous artists and a high-end education valley that will train qualified personnel for the sector which will be the only one in the world. There will be thematic entertainment units, high-end restaurants, contemporary designed luxury offices, and two helipads. At the moment we are looking to raise investment to start the luxury hotel project and this is one of the major reasons why

Mr. Fares Ghattas, the Global CEO of The Luxury Network is our board member and heading this as he is the expert in the luxury field. Will it have a tourism value like Hollywood and Bollywood do? One of the promotional programs created by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism that contributes to tourism is the cinema sector. Midwood was not founded to do this, but the subject we are talking about is the natural result of the project. The luxury accommodation facility to be built will host Hollywood artists and filming crews who come here for the shooting, as well as, movie and TV series enthusiast tourists. Why do you think tourists should visit this place? One of the features of the closed sets is that they have soundproof areas that allow the shooting to be viewed. You will watch movies and TV series in the sessions allowed by the director and producer. For example, can you imagine people’s interest if a plateau opens while Tom Hanks was filming “Hell” and

we had allowed some scenes to be watched live by random tourists? In the future, when such projects are filmed here, the attention of the world will shift in this direction. Do you currently have any shooting deals? The interest is great, there are demands from Turkey. There are projects from Iran, India, New Zealand, France, Bulgaria, and the USA. We aim to turn the plateau into an export item. Productions of the world, especially in Hollywood productions, trailed in Turkey. The money that Hollywood leaves to an eastern European country is 750 million dollars a year. We aim to bring this money to Turkey. Our slogan now is “a gift to the world from Turkey.” What are your thoughts about the COVID-19 pandemic?

Pandemics and prejudice can’t stop us. We have overcome those issues, they were not a problem! I am a person who brought foreign world stars to this country in 1973. These kinds of issues are not a problem for me. We trust our country and ourselves. 109

Club Culture

‘WHAT IF?’ ART EXHIBITION CURATED BY QATARI VISUAL ARTIST MUNA AL-BADER

ART29 Hosts local and American artists in celebration of Qatar-USA 2021 Year of Culture

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W Doha hotel hosted an inspiring art exhibition curated by the prominent Qatari artist, Muna Al-Bader in collaboration with local and American artists in celebration of the Qatar-USA 2021 Year of Culture. The collaborative display called “What If?” aims to offer a creative platform for artists to express their personal experiences and optimistic views of today’s ever-changing world.

Club Culture

Featuring more than 20 original pieces that depict the emotions and responses that are awakened within a person, using a variety of popular artistic styles. ART29 has been transformed into a dynamic space set to provoke the mind with an eclectic art style and themes. Commenting on the latest gallery, General Manager of W Doha, Wassim Daaje said, “We welcome the new year with a dose of artistic creativity and are excited to host the ‘What If?’ art exhibition in collaboration with Muna Al-Bader. This exclusive showcase is a testament to our collective resilience and a celebration of our outstanding ability as a nation to overcome challenges. ART29 has created an exclusive platform for artists to share their amazing talent and engage with the community and we are very happy to continue our journey this year. We invite everyone to walk through the creative space and discover the personal views and experiences presented by prominent local and American artists.” The list of participating artists include the likes of Maryam Al-Attiya, Gloria Gracia, Fatima Al-Naimi, Ryan Browning, Ali Hassan, Ebtisam Al Saffar, Shatha Al-Shmary, Eman Al Sulaiti, Astrid Kensinger, Abdullah Al Habsi, Elizabeth Al Habsi, RabMclure and Emma Al-Saleh to name a few. Qatari Artist and Art ambassador, Muna Al-Bader, conveys deep-rooted messages through her inspiring art canvases, aiming to create an inclusive community for artistic expression and emotional communication. “Art is a unique medium of self-expression and has the ability to help us find comfort, peace and unity. This exhibition is the perfect opportunity to reflect on the past year through the creative eyes of local and American artists and celebrate our diverse yet shared human experiences.” by Narges Raiss 111

All Things Beauty

DYNAMIK QA THE FITNESS ADDRESS AT THE PEARL – QATAR A COMPLETE EXPERIENCE, HIGH STANDARDS

AND CUSTOMER SATISFACTION

deally located in Porto Arabia, Dynamik QA is the fitness institution that keeps on getting bigger every passing day. With the opening of a second branch in downtown Doha, fitness aficionados in Qatar have now a new location catering to their passion. When asked what sets this gym apart from what is currently available on the market, Roma Rudewicz, general manager of Dynamik QA promptly replies, “Definitely our culture.” We have a modernized approach to fitness combined with the professionalism of our team, spacious facilities and outstanding equipment. Our gyms for men and women are equally well-equipped, providing services according to gender needs. Our corporate collaborations and sponsorships with recognized companies make us very visible. The choice of our locations are also important. The Pearl Branch is the biggest gym located directly in Porto Arabia with beautiful marina views from the terrace. The incredible spacious facility is equipped with fitness brands such as Hoist, Life Fitness and Technogym. It’s like heaven for gym lovers. Expert Dynamik QA trainers are highly experienced in order to attain optimal results. A full cardio suite includes free weights and strength equipment ensuring maximum results. Comprehensive strength and conditioning options ensure members achieve their goals. Dedicated spaces designed to accommodate treatments such as sports massages are perfect for maintaining one’s body in optimal condition. A juice-bar makes it the one-stop nourishment shop. Catering for all diet and health options such as raw, paleo, vegan and more. An added benefit is the onsite Roots Salon branch in the premises of the gym. A dedicated pampering team will have you looking ready for your next event or post-gym outing with blow-dry, manicure and pedicure services on offer. “Our aim is to encourage residents in Qatar, Doha to embrace a new lifestyle with physical activity and its resultant benefits of feeling healthier, happier, physically stronger and mentally alert. Keeping in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030, it is our goal to improve the health of Qatar’s population in a safe and effective manner.” by Narges Raiss

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All Things Beauty BODY TONE LAB: THE LATEST GENERATION OF EXERCISE EQUIPMENT Technology and Innovation at the helm of Fitness

ody Tone Lab is a horizontal bike capsule with a stylistic, modern design, combining cardio exercise with innovative technical solutions: touch screen display, luxury leather, pressure vacuum massage, infrared heating, collagen lamp, colour and aroma therapy benefits, mp3 music from your IPhone or Android, multimedia and a virtual jogging simulator. The innovative fitness equipment combines physical exercise on a horizontal bike with vacuum technology for under pressure massage, infrared heating and collagen benefits. Enjoy cardio exercise in a comfortable lying down position listening to music or watching your favourite Netflix series while burning thrice the calories in 30 minutes. In order to avoid strain on the back and knees, the workout is conducted in the laid-back position. Wear a special fibber garment is worn that is adjusted and fixed to the vacuum feature of the machine by the technician. Once you adjust your feet on the paddles you can start cycling. The technician will then select and adjust the features of the machine according to the desired result: the infrared, the cycling resistance and speed, the vacuum pressure and the collagen lamp. To work on the muscle intake, one has to increase resistance and lower speed. To tone legs and eliminate cellulite you will set up a higher speed and lower the resistance. Infrared is a natural ray that we are exposed to daily from the sun. It is not harmful at all. It has no adverse effect on the skin because it has a long wave length that penetrates the skin increasing the body temperature from the inside. Ultraviolet has a shorter wave length that can burn the skin. With Body Tone, infrareds will penetrate the epidermis and increase the core tem-

perature of the body leading to a higher metabolism and sweating. The blood circulation that will flow into the organs and muscle increases, causing one to burn more calories. Infrared also opens skin pores which helps in detoxification while sweating. The vacuum feature increases the blood circulation and stimulates the lymphatic system of the body that is responsible for drainage and the immune system. The increased blood circulation boosts the metabolism and burns fat. The vacuum will help the blood flow to the parts of the body that usually blood doesn’t stream to using the fat cells stored in those parts. The combination of the infrared and the vacuum plays a major part in eliminating cellulite. Since the cellulite is fat cells floating in water under the skin which is hard to reach, blood flow will be used as a source of energy. When the skin is exposed to the Infrared, it penetrates the fat cells and temporarily perforates their membranes, causing the fat cells to release fatty acids, glycerol, and water. The Vacuum will help the blood flow into the parts of stubborn fat (fat hard to reach to use for Energy Source) to use the Fat for energy and will help the water with the Fatty Acid and Glycerol in it to be drained away. The Collagen lamp stimulates the body to produce collagen to help the skin to tighten by having more elasticity to smooth skin and get rid of any sagginess. A 30-minute session is recommended 2 to 3 times per week. Visible results can be seen between the 7th and 9th session. From weight loss, toned legs and thighs to firmer and softer skin, results may vary from individuals. Technology combined with commitment surely guarantees an improved fitness condition. by Narges Raiss 113

All Things Beauty

PIDA BEAUTY – PREMIUM KOREAN SKINCARE IN QATAR Discover all things K-beauty under the sun (screen)

ida Beauty is the only authorized reseller completely dedicated to Korean skincare products founded by Qatari-resident and Carnegie-Mellon alumni Min-Kyung Kang. She is amongst the up-and-coming new generation of women entrepreneurs in Qatar. Graduated in 2017 as a biological scientist and cosmetics specialist, her aim is to import high-quality and hand-selected Korean products into the Qatari market first before expanding into the Middle-Eastern region with her e-commerce platform. Reminiscing about Pida Beauty inception, Min-Kyung realized there was a gap in the skincare products market – the K-beauty products she used were unavailable to her local friends. After numerous questions and requests about her beauty routine, Min-kyung began her quest to bring these staple products to Qatar. When asked what skincare means to her, she promptly replies: “Everyone should consider taking care of ones skin as a long-term investment that will pay off dividends in the future.Therefore a basic routine should revolve around proper cleansing, adding and keeping-up

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hydration and antioxidants and making sure to always wear sunscreen. Min-Kyung Kang also debunked the time-consuming myth: “There is a westernized image that the Korean skincare routine is long and intensive. In reality, a good Korean skincare regimen is all about understanding your skin’s needs and tailoring to it accordingly to maximize results”. As we get into specifics about the variety of products available in the market and how it can be overwhelming to the consumer, Min-Kyung Kang develops: “Products are carefully selected based on their consumer reviews in the Korean market. Extensive research is conducted beforehand, on each product’s ingredients and their subsequent benefits. Most importantly, we supply products that suit and survive the local region’s weather.” Indeed, Qatar’s weather can be unforgiving and harsh on ones skin hence the necessity of incorporating hydrating products into the skincare routine. “For instance, one of our best-sellers is the Brightening Peeling Gel as it gently removes dead skin build-up using a natural form of salicylic acid. You can even try it on the back of your hand and the result is instantaneous. Anoth-

er one of our favourites is the Mild Acidic pH Sheet Mask- Heartleaf Fit, perfect for sensitive skin as it soothes irritation and moisturizes as well. Well spent 10 minutes that is sure to vitalise ones skin. Our star product is Mega Vitamin Ampule Serum, rich in vitamin C which will transform your skin. It has an antioxidant ingredient that protects the skin from environmental factors. Hyaluronic acid is a major player in the beauty industry as it attracts water into the skin, plumping it making it suitable for all skin types. I foresee a demand for herbal extracts such as centella asiatica and propolis that soothes the skin and strengthens the skins barrier.” The must-have product for all skincare conscious readers? “Sunscreen for sure! Regardless of sunny or cloudy weather, UV rays can cause extreme damage to the skin. Choose your sunscreen carefully according to your skin type for maximum efficiency - It makes a real difference and that’s the DNA of Korean skincare. As an example, the Clear 100 Sunscreen is suitable for oily or acne prone skin while our other option the Airy Skin Up Sun Sunscreen has a more hydrating and light weight formula.” by Narges Raiss

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the Spotlight

THE ALL-NEW MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS LANDS IN DOHA

asser Bin Khaled Automobiles, the authorized distributors of MercedesBenz in Qatar, presents the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the undisputed leader in the premium segment regarding comfort and wellness, setting new standards in interior and design.

Captivating Ceremony in Msheireb for the launch of the Mercede S-Class: Automotive luxury experienced in a completely new way.

The lauch event was held at Al-Baharat square in Msheireb Downtown Doha, the smartest and most sustainable city district in the region. The launch of the all-new S-Class is in line with the strategic plans of NBK in presenting the latest car models that meet customers’ expectations in the luxury automotive segment. His Excellency Sheikh Faleh Bin Nawaf Al Thani, Managing Director- Auto, Nasser Bin Khaled Group said: “This special event marks the journey of success for both NBK Automobiles and Mercedes-Benz in Qatar. Our incredible partnership goes back to more than six decades, a relationship built on mutual trust and the two companies’ shared ethos. We

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are proud to be among the first dealers in the region to launch this new model – that is sure to meet customers’ expectations and enhance Qatar’s position as one of the leading markets for luxury cars. Our company was, and still is, one of the leading private sector companies that focused on supporting the development of Qatar and contributing to accomplish Qatar 2030 National Vision goals by focusing on sustainability and comprehensive development in all aspects of the business.” The flagship model has been comprehensively modernised and is confirming its role as a technological trailblazer with new engines and enhanced driving assistance systems. The top-ofthe-range model of MercedesBenz takes another big step towards autonomous driving and elevates Intelligent Drive to the next level. Its precise attention to detail is seen within every corner of the car, from the wood-leather steering wheel to the crystal-look tail lamps.

The S-Class offers a new level of comfort for the driver and passengers. Thanks to the world-first ENERGIZING comfort control feature, the driver and passengers can now link various comfort systems such as climate control and massage functions. This feature also allows customers to configure specific wellness set-ups to suit their mood and enhance physical comfort and performance on the road. The new S-Class can be experienced with all the senses – seeing, feeling, hearing and smelling – while offering numerous innovations in the areas of driver assistance, protection and interaction. Legendary and traditional engineering expertise which defines the luxury segment in the automobile industry. Modern luxury attains the next level in the interior of the S-Class. The designers have created a feel-good ambience with lounge character marked by elegance, high quality and lightness. The dashboard with its new architecture, modern surface design and ergonomic display arrangement is a highlight. But the feel-good aspect goes even deeper: with high ride quality and low noise levels as well as an extensive range of ENERGIZING Comfort programmes, the S-Class looks after the well-being of its passengers. They also stay fit thanks to the effective air filtering system, which signals its newly gained capability with the new name ENERGIZING Air Control.

responds with corresponding vehicle functions. As well as enhancing operating convenience, MBUX Interior Assist improves safety. Even before the journey begins, it notifies the driver if the camera has detected a child seat on the front passenger seat, but seat belt is not fastened, for example. With the MBUX Smart Home function, the S-Class now also becomes a control centre for the home, because the homes of many people are increasingly intelligent: mobile intelligence ensures maximum operating convenience from afar. WLAN and sensors make the home capable of communication: temperature and lighting, roller blinds and electrical appliances can be remotely monitored and controlled. Motion detectors and window contacts inform the user of welcome or unwelcome visitors. The desired harmony between digital and analogue luxury results in a revolutionary interior design, including associations with interior architecture and yacht design elements. The sculptured look of the dashboard, centre console and armrests appears to float above an expansive interior landscape. The systematic reduction in the number of controls underscores the minimalist appearance of the interior. A fine divide between the upper section of the dashboard and the large trim element structures the area and creates horizontal breadth.

The voice assistant “Hey Mercedes” is even more learn-and dialogue-capable by activation of online services in the Mercedes me App. Moreover, certain actions can be performed even without the activation keyword “Hey Mercedes”. These include accepting a telephone call. “Hey Mercedes” now also explains vehicle functions and answers general knowledge questions. In the S-Class the voice assistant can also be controlled from the rear.

Mr. Ihab El-Feky, Director, Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles stated: “We start a new year with the energy and the power to continue our successful growth and achievements in various business sectors. Today, despite the current challenges that the world is facing, NBK Automobiles continues to meet and exceed the expectations of our customers. Today, we unveil the all-new S-Class - always at the top of the class and one of the most awaited cars every year.”

Using cameras in the overhead control panel and learning algorithms, MBUX Interior Assist recognises and anticipates the wishes and intentions of the occupants. It does this by interpreting head direction, hand movements and body language, and

Available in Qatar at Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles in Salwa Road showroom, the all-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class with interior architecture, innovation and yacht design elements is a story of perpetual excellence. by Narges Raiss

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M AGIC A L

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Msheireb Downtown Doha msheireb.com

AlWadi Hotel Doha alwadihoteldoha.com

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Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Museum f bqmuseum.org

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The St. Regis Doha st-regis.marriott.com

Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition visitqatar.qa

Montblanc montblanc.com

The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa marriott.com

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Moonlight Concept moonlightconcept.com

W Doha marriott.com

t he q ata r e di t ion

ISSUE 1

MAR - APR 2021

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