Technology Trends
The Soul of Gulf Craft
How Mohammed Hussein Alshaali built a world-class yacht brand with a culture of passion, purpose and people.
Words By Shereen Shabnam
There are people you interview because of their title, and there are people you genuinely look forward to meeting because, regardless of how successful they become, they never seem to change.
For more than two decades, I have had the privilege of sitting down with Mohammed Hussein Alshaali at the many Dubai International Boat Shows. During that time, I have watched Gulf Craft evolve from an ambitious Emirati yacht builder into one of the world’s most respected names in luxury yachting.
Every year the yachts become larger, the technology more advanced and the international audience more impressive. Yet one thing has remained remarkably consistent. Mohammed welcomes everyone with the same warm smile, the same quiet confidence and the same humility that first struck me all those years ago.
This year’s conversation felt particularly fitting. It came after walking through the spectacular new Majesty 145, a yacht that perfectly illustrates how far Gulf Craft has come. Every detail reflects decades of refinement, craftsmanship and innovation. Yet as impressive as the yacht is, spending time with the man behind it reminds me that Gulf Craft’s greatest achievement has never simply been the yachts themselves. It has been the philosophy that created them.
Few people have successfully navigated two careers as different as international diplomacy and luxury yacht building. Before dedicating himself fully to Gulf Craft, Mohammed spent more than three decades representing the UAE on the global stage, serving as Ambassador to the United States, Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and, remarkably, becoming the youngest President of the UN Security Council during his diplomatic career.
One might assume that diplomacy and yacht building have little in common. Mohammed sees it differently. He says, “In life, communication is important. In diplomacy, communication is everything. In business, it is exactly the same.”
It is a deceptively simple observation, but perhaps it explains why Gulf Craft has always been as much about relationships as it has been about engineering. The company’s success has never been built solely on beautiful yachts, but on the trust it has cultivated with owners, designers, suppliers and partners around the world.
Listening to Mohammed speak about Gulf Craft, it quickly becomes apparent that he rarely talks about himself. Instead, he talks about learning. “When we started, we were learning how to build. We were learning about the market. We were learning about everything. Those early years were not driven by vast financial resources or decades of experience. They were fuelled by something far more powerful. The biggest capital we had was enthusiasm and passion.”
More than forty years later, he believes that very little has changed. “Everybody comes here because of their passion. If you don’t love what you do, you simply won’t stay.”
It is a philosophy that resonates throughout Gulf Craft today. Walking through its facilities, there is a sense that every yacht represents thousands of hours of craftsmanship by people who genuinely care about what they are creating. It is an attitude that cannot be manufactured and certainly cannot be copied.
That passion is perhaps most evident in Gulf Craft’s unique approach to building. Rather than relying heavily on external suppliers, the company has invested in creating much of its production capability in-house. “We build everything ourselves,” Mohammed explains. “Steel, electronics, composite work and more.”
Today, Gulf Craft operates five specialised companies supporting different aspects of production, allowing it to control quality, delivery schedules and costs while ensuring owners ultimately benefit from that integration. The strategy was born not from convenience, but from necessity.
“When you start an industry like this in a country that had no such industry, every challenge becomes an opportunity.” Those challenges taught Gulf Craft to innovate, adapt and continuously improve. Looking back, Mohammed views those difficult early years not as obstacles but as the very foundation upon which the company was built.
That willingness to invest for the long term continues today. Alongside its expanding yacht portfolio, Gulf Craft has recently opened new service and manufacturing facility, capable of maintaining yachts of up to 80 metres, while also expanding its presence in the Maldives with a dedicated marina and service operation. Despite global economic uncertainty and geopolitical challenges affecting international deliveries, Mohammed remains characteristically optimistic.
Walking through the Majesty 145 before our conversation, it became clear that this optimism is well placed. Every space onboard reflects decades of accumulated experience, not only in engineering, but in understanding how owners want to live, entertain and relax on the water.
“So many experiences have come together in this yacht,” Mohammed says. “Our experience, our designers’ experience, our people’s experience and the market’s experience.”
Perhaps the strongest endorsement came before the yacht had even entered the water. Gulf Craft had already secured three sales based solely on the design drawings, a remarkable achievement in today’s highly competitive superyacht market.
While innovation and craftsmanship have undoubtedly propelled Gulf Craft onto the global stage, Mohammed returns repeatedly to one subject that matters more than anything else: people.
“Our team is the soul of the company.” It is a statement that feels entirely genuine.
He believes owners return not simply because they appreciate the yachts, but because they trust the people behind them. Beautiful designs attract attention, but lasting relationships build loyalty. “People come back because they have a relationship with the team.”
The biggest capital we have is enthusiasm and passion.
In an industry where luxury is often measured in materials, finishes and technology, Mohammed measures success differently. For him, culture has become Gulf Craft’s greatest competitive advantage.
That perspective may well explain why, after more than four decades, Gulf Craft continues to evolve while remaining unmistakably true to its roots. It has become one of the few yacht builders capable of competing confidently on the world stage while proudly retaining its Emirati identity.
Recognition has naturally followed. From building one of the world’s largest composite superyachts to receiving international accolades, including the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 Boat Builder Awards, Gulf Craft’s journey mirrors the remarkable growth of the UAE itself.
When I ask Mohammed what legacy he hopes to leave behind, his answer is telling. “I want this company to always be considered one of the best yacht builders in the world.”
Noticeably absent is any mention of being the biggest. Instead, he speaks about reputation, excellence and earning the respect of customers, designers, suppliers and classification societies alike. It is an ambition rooted not in scale but in quality.
As our conversation comes to an end, I reflect on something I have observed over more than twenty years of meeting Mohammed at boat shows around the world. The yachts have grown larger. The company has expanded globally. The awards have accumulated. Yet the man himself has remained remarkably unchanged. He is still approachable. Still gracious. Still genuinely interested in people.
The Majesty 145 may represent the latest chapter in Gulf Craft’s remarkable journey, but perhaps the company’s greatest achievement is measured in the culture Mohammed Hussein Alshaali has quietly built over four decades. A culture where passion matters more than prestige, relationships matter more than transactions, and success is never claimed by one individual but shared with an entire team.
Elegant, Practical and Emotionally Appealing
The all-new Audi Q3 builds on everything that has made the four rings perfect for premium everyday driving.
Shereen Shabnam
Owning an Audi has taught me that the brand’s greatest strength is in its engineering, design and consistency. Having spent years behind the wheel of my own Audi TT which my daughter drives now, I have come to appreciate the understated confidence that defines every model wearing the four rings. Audi has never relied on unnecessary drama; instead, it quietly perfects the details that make every journey more rewarding.
The all-new new generation Audi Q3 embodies that philosophy beautifully. More expressive in its design, more digital inside and more refined on the road, it evolves one of Audi’s most successful SUVs while remaining true to the qualities that have made the brand a favourite among discerning drivers. Whether navigating city streets, embarking on weekend escapes or tackling long motorway journeys, the Q3 delivers a premium experience that feels both contemporary and reassuringly familiar.
Exterior
The latest Q3 adopts a noticeably more confident presence. A wider Singleframe grille, sharply sculpted bodywork and slimmer lighting signatures create a stronger visual identity, while muscular shoulders give the SUV a more athletic stance without compromising its elegance.
Audi’s renowned attention to detail is evident throughout. The latest Digital Matrix LED headlights featuring micro-LED technology not only enhance visibility but also introduce intelligent lighting functions that improve driver awareness. At the rear, optional digital OLED lighting and illuminated Audi rings create a sophisticated signature after dark, ensuring the Q3 is instantly recognisable from every angle.
Interior
Step inside and the transformation is immediately apparent. Audi has embraced a more immersive digital environment centred around its beautifully integrated panoramic digital stage, where a curved 12.8-inch MMI touchscreen and 11.9-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit place every essential function naturally within the driver’s field of vision. The redesigned steering column frees valuable centre console space, creating a cleaner and more practical cabin, while premium materials and ambient lighting reinforce Audi’s reputation for understated luxury.
Versatility remains one of the Q3’s greatest strengths. Sliding rear seats, adjustable backrests and generous luggage capacity make the SUV equally suited to growing families, business professionals and weekend adventurers. Acoustic glazing for the front side windows, introduced for the first time in this segment, also contributes to a noticeably quieter cabin, particularly during longer highway journeys.
Technology
Technology continues to be one of Audi’s defining strengths, and the all-new Q3 demonstrates just how seamlessly innovation can enhance everyday driving. The intuitive infotainment system integrates effortlessly with the driver’s digital lifestyle, while voice controls and smartphone connectivity make accessing navigation, media and communication simple and distraction-free.
Audi’s latest driver assistance systems work discreetly in the background to enhance confidence rather than overwhelm the driving experience. Adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane change assist, park assist, reverse assistant and fatigue monitoring combine to create an intelligent safety ecosystem that supports drivers across both urban and motorway environments.
Performance
The Q3 has always been more about confidence than outright performance, and the latest generation continues that approach with greater refinement. The 150 hp TFSI engine provides smooth, responsive performance ideally suited to everyday driving, while the more powerful 204 hp TFSI quattro offers stronger acceleration and enhanced stability thanks to Audi’s legendary all-wheel-drive system. Paired with the seven-speed S tronic transmission, power delivery feels seamless and composed across varying road conditions.
Suspension tuning successfully balances ride comfort with engaging handling, while progressive steering delivers reassuring precision through tighter city streets before settling into confident stability at motorway speeds. Like every Audi I have driven, the Q3 inspires confidence rather than demanding attention. It simply gets everything right.
Our Verdict
Audi has always excelled at producing vehicles that blend engineering excellence with understated sophistication, and the latest Q3 continues that tradition with a more expressive design, a beautifully executed digital cabin and technology that genuinely enhances everyday life.
Perhaps my years of Audi ownership make me appreciate these qualities more than most. Living with an Audi has shown me that the true appeal of the brand lies in the way every detail works together to create a car that feels as satisfying on day one as it does years later. The all-new Q3 carries that same philosophy into the premium SUV segment. Elegant, practical and quietly confident.
A Journey Through Time, One Gallery at a Time
Discovering the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi through Gen Z Eyes
By Natasha Dury
I have a habit that surprises people whenever I travel. While some visitors plan their itineraries around shopping districts or beach clubs, I look for museums and experience centres. They tell me more about a destination than almost anything else, revealing its history, culture and ambition in ways that stay with me long after I’ve returned home.
When my mum and I visited the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi with our best friends, we both expected to enjoy it. What we didn’t expect was to experience it so differently. After about two hours of exploring, mum was ready to relax with a coffee, convinced she had seen the highlights. I was only just getting started and went along with my friends to see more.
Five hours later, I was still moving through the galleries, revisiting exhibits, reading every information panel and discovering details I had missed the first time around. Every corner seemed to reveal another story, another scientific discovery or another reminder of just how extraordinary our planet really is. For me, that is what makes a great museum. It does n’ot simply display objects; it creates curiosity.
The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi has been designed as an immersive journey rather than a collection of exhibits. From the moment you step inside, you are encouraged to explore at your own pace. The spaces flow naturally from one discovery to the next, making it easy to lose track of time as millions of years of Earth’s history unfold around you.
As someone who genuinely enjoys learning, I loved that the museum never felt overwhelming. The storytelling is engaging, the displays are beautifully presented and the interactive elements make complex subjects accessible without ever feeling like a classroom lesson. Instead, every gallery invites you to ask questions, explore further and appreciate the incredible diversity of life that has shaped our world.
One of the things I appreciated most was that there was no pressure to rush. Unlike many attractions where visitors move quickly from one highlight to the next, this museum rewards curiosity. The longer you spend here, the more connections you begin to make between geology, evolution, wildlife and the future of our natural environment.
It reminded me that the best travel experiences aren’t always about seeing more—they’re about understanding more.
I think that’s something many people in my generation value. We don’t just want photographs of the places we visit; we want experiences that leave us with new perspectives. Museums have become destinations in their own right because they combine education, technology, storytelling and design in ways that feel engaging rather than traditional.
The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi captures that perfectly. It encourages visitors of every age to slow down, look closer and discover something unexpected. Whether you’re fascinated by prehistoric life, the evolution of our planet or the remarkable ecosystems that continue to shape it today, there is always another detail waiting to be uncovered.
By the time I finally met Mum again, I could not stop talking about everything she had missed while enjoying her coffee. We laughed about how differently we had approached exactly the same museum, yet both walked away inspired in our own way.
Perhaps that is the museum’s greatest achievement. It doesn’t ask visitors to experience it in a particular way. Whether you spend two hours exploring the highlights or five hours immersing yourself in every gallery, it rewards your curiosity.
As for me, I already know I will be back. Because somehow, I still don’t think I have seen everything.
Collina Luxury Relais
Where Alpine Serenity Meets Contemporary Italian Design
Shereen Shabnam
Set within the breathtaking landscape of Clusone in the high valley of Bergamo, Collina Luxury Relais is a striking example of how contemporary hospitality design can coexist harmoniously with nature, heritage, and sustainability. Conceived as a refined five-star retreat, the property blends architectural elegance, understated luxury, and immersive wellness experiences within an environment shaped by the textures and tones of the surrounding alpine landscape.
Originally a villa with a nightclub and outdoor swimming pool, the site has been completely reimagined through a low-impact redevelopment project led by architect Silverio Pezzoli of TecnoArreda Interior Design, with Concreta overseeing the execution of the interiors and common spaces. The result is not merely a hotel, but a carefully orchestrated sensory experience where materials, light, and craftsmanship work together to create a sense of calm sophistication.
The property takes its name from the hillside on which it sits, surrounded by generous green spaces that immediately establish a connection to nature. Guests arriving at the entrance are greeted by an almost seven-metre olive tree, an architectural gesture that introduces the project’s balance between grandeur and organic serenity.
The relais comprises six suites, five independent chalets, and an expansive penthouse featuring a private spa, panoramic terrace, direct lift access, and complete privacy. The chalets, crafted entirely from wood with corrugated aluminium roofs, mirror the earthy tones of the alpine environment while maintaining a contemporary architectural language.
What defines the interiors most profoundly is the material palette. Throughout the property, Concreta has created a dialogue between natural textures and precision craftsmanship. Locally sourced Gré stone from the Lake Iseo region appears extensively across the project, particularly within the spectacular 300-square-metre pool area where resin finishes create a fluid, reflective water effect. The seamless connection between indoor and outdoor pools reinforces the relationship between architecture and landscape, while Swedish fir wood treated in evaporated mocha tones introduces warmth and tactile richness across terraces, pergolas, and chalet exteriors.
Inside, the atmosphere shifts toward refined contemporary elegance. The Beides Restaurant forms the social heart of the property, where grey-stained timber, metal, and glass intersect in a dramatic yet restrained composition. Large glazed surfaces flood the interiors with natural light, while Canaletto walnut, moka-stained fir, aged oak flooring, and Fenix finishes introduce depth and softness to the space. The continuity between interior and exterior materials is particularly striking, with gré cobblestone surfaces extending the visual narrative throughout the property.
The private lounge, featuring a Canaletto walnut floor and visible wine cellar, reflects the project’s broader philosophy of understated exclusivity. Rather than relying on decorative excess, the design focuses on proportion, atmosphere, and the emotional quality of materials.
The wellness component of the property further elevates its luxury positioning. Located in the basement level, the Collina MyPurity SPA has been designed as a sanctuary inspired by the surrounding mountains. A relaxation lounge overlooking the valley creates an immediate sense of stillness, while saunas crafted from Swiss stone pine wood introduce both natural fragrance and wellness benefits associated with reducing heart rate and stress levels. Elsewhere, cave-inspired stone Turkish baths, sensory showers, Scottish showers, and treatment cabins create a multisensory spa journey rooted in elemental design.
Even the fitness centre embraces the property’s immersive approach to wellbeing, offering panoramic views of the iconic Clusone bell tower while integrating state-of-the-art equipment within a visually calming environment.
Sustainability remains central to the identity of Collina Luxury Relais. Beyond aesthetics, the property integrates eco-conscious infrastructure through photovoltaic systems, geothermal probes, and energy-efficient technologies that support both the building’s operational needs and heated wellness facilities year-round. The project demonstrates how luxury hospitality can evolve responsibly without compromising comfort, beauty, or technological sophistication.
For Concreta, whose expertise spans over three decades in bespoke hospitality interiors, the project represents a seamless fusion of craftsmanship, engineering, and contemporary Italian design culture. Together with architect Silverio Pezzoli, the collaboration has produced a destination that feels deeply connected to its environment while delivering the privacy, technology, and refinement expected from a modern luxury retreat.
The Rise of the Solo Journey
Why personalised itineraries and independent travel are redefining modern exploration
Shereen Shabnam
As a travel and lifestyle journalist, I have come to realise that some of the most memorable journeys rarely happen according to plan. My work often takes me across continents, from reviewing luxury hotels and test driving performance cars across challenging terrains to discovering hidden culinary gems between business meetings. Yet it is often the moments in between the schedules, launches, and itineraries that leave the strongest impression.
A recommendation from a local restaurateur in Malaysia can lead to an unforgettable street food experience in Penang, while a spontaneous detour through the winding coastal roads of Spain can transform a simple road trip into something cinematic. In Switzerland, driving through alpine passes and remote mountain villages offers a rare connection to nature and adventure, while the serenity of the Maldives provides the perfect counterbalance, a place where wellness, stillness, and reflection become part of the journey itself.
Then there is Paris, a city that remains timeless not because of its landmarks alone, but because of its atmosphere, café culture, effortless elegance, and the simple joy of wandering without purpose. Increasingly, these experiences are shaping the rise of personalised and solo travel, where the freedom to move independently allows travellers to connect more deeply with destinations, cultures, and ultimately themselves.
There was a time when solo travel was often viewed as an unconventional choice, reserved for gap-year students, or those simply unable to find company for a trip. Today, it has evolved into one of the most significant shifts in modern tourism. Across luxury travel, wellness escapes, and even corporate journeys, personalised itineraries and independent exploration are becoming deeply desirable experiences for travellers seeking something more meaningful than traditional sightseeing.
What is driving this movement is not isolation, but freedom. Travellers increasingly want the ability to shape journeys around their own interests, pace, and emotional needs rather than compromise within a group dynamic. The modern traveller is no longer simply chasing destinations; they are pursuing experiences that feel personal, immersive, and transformative.
Business travel, interestingly, has become one of the strongest catalysts for this change. Corporate trips today often extend beyond conference rooms and hotel lobbies. Spending time with local clients, colleagues, and industry professionals introduces travellers to a more authentic side of a destination. A recommendation from a local often becomes more memorable than anything in a guidebook. These interactions create a richer cultural connection and encourage travellers to explore independently during downtime, transforming work trips into deeply personal experiences.
Solo leisure travel carries a different, yet equally powerful appeal. Travelling alone cultivates confidence in ways few experiences can. Navigating unfamiliar cities, embarking on long scenic drives, and making spontaneous decisions encourage self-reliance and adaptability. Many travellers describe returning from solo journeys feeling more capable, focused, and emotionally recharged. In a world increasingly dominated by digital noise and rigid schedules, solo travel offers something increasingly rare: uninterrupted personal space.
The travel industry has recognised this shift. Luxury operators, boutique agencies, and wellness brands are now curating highly personalised solo itineraries that combine independence with comfort and security, that includes gastronomy, wellness, adventure, art, sustainability, or culture.
My favourite road trip was in Spain, particularly great for driving enthusiasts who view driving as part of the experience. From the dramatic mountain routes of Andalusia to the coastal highways stretching along the Mediterranean, Spain offers the perfect balance of scenery, culture, and spontaneity. Malaysia continues to attract independent travellers for its extraordinary culinary diversity and accessibility. I lived there for 9 years and love the refined dining in Kuala Lumpur to hawker stalls in Penang.
For those seeking tranquility and restoration, Maldives has evolved far beyond the traditional honeymoon narrative. Many luxury resorts now cater to independent wellness travellers with private villas, spa immersions, meditation programmes, marine experiences, and personalised wellbeing journeys designed around mindfulness. Adventure seekers continue to gravitate toward Switzerland, where nature and precision coexist effortlessly. Scenic rail journeys, alpine hikes, mountain drives, and pristine lakes create a sense of calm while still satisfying the desire for exploration.
Meanwhile, Paris remains one of the world’s most rewarding cities to experience alone. Its beauty lies not only in its iconic landmarks, but in its rhythm, mornings spent at quiet cafés, afternoons wandering galleries, evenings discovering intimate bistros hidden within historic streets. It is a city that invites travellers to slow down and simply absorb its atmosphere. Then there is Singapore, as one of the safest and most seamless gateways into solo travel. Efficient transport, exceptional hospitality, world-class dining, and a cosmopolitan energy allow travellers to move confidently while still experiencing cultural depth and diversity.
Ultimately, the rise of personalised solo travel reflects a broader evolution in how people define luxury and fulfilment. Modern travellers are placing greater value on authenticity, emotional wellbeing, flexibility, and meaningful experiences over rigid itineraries or crowded group tours and solo travel has become a powerful expression of curiosity and confidence.
Piaget Cocktail: Couture Creativity and Joyful Highlife
Natasha Dury
For decades, Piaget has embodied a glamorous world where high jewellery, artistic freedom, and celebration exist in perfect harmony. Drawing inspiration from the legendary spirit of the Piaget Society, an era defined by elegance, creativity, and jet-set sophistication, the Maison’s latest Piaget Cocktail collection captures that same sense of joyful extravagance in a contemporary and highly wearable form.
The new collection introduces nine vibrant rings and two ear cuffs that blend colourful gemstones with sculptural design and playful sophistication. Designed as an ode to celebration, the pieces channel the energy of cocktail culture through daring colour combinations, fluid lines, and precious stones arranged like luminous compositions of flavour and light.
Piaget’s connection to glamour dates back to the 1970s and 1980s, when Yves Piaget gathered artists, icons, and cultural figures from around the world into what became known as the Piaget Society.
From Capri and Saint-Tropez to Palm Beach and Monaco, the Maison became synonymous with a lifestyle built around creativity, elegance, and fearless self-expression. Legendary names including Elizabeth Taylor, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Andy Warhol, Ursula Andress, and Roger Moore were all part of this vibrant universe.
That festive spirit continues within the Piaget Cocktail collection, originally introduced in 2010 and now reimagined with fresh energy and contemporary flair. Bright tourmalines, aquamarines, citrines, emeralds, amethysts, turquoise, and diamonds are paired in unexpected combinations that evoke the colours and freshness of exotic cocktails. Lemon-yellow sapphires, mint-green tourmalines, icy purple amethysts, and soft pink quartz create compositions that feel playful yet unmistakably luxurious.
The rings are sculpted with fluid curves inspired by the shape of a cocktail straw, while carefully cut stones introduce texture, movement, and lightness. Some pieces feature delicate figurative details, including sculpted leaves and crystal-like accents that echo ice cubes shimmering inside a glass.
Despite their bold colour palette, the designs remain refined and versatile. The pieces can be worn individually for understated elegance or layered together to create a more expressive statement. The result is jewellery that feels modern, spirited, and deeply connected to Piaget’s heritage of creativity and craftsmanship.
With Piaget Cocktail, the Maison once again transforms high jewellery into an experience, vibrant, celebratory, and full of personality. It is a collection that perfectly captures the Riviera-inspired glamour, artistic freedom, and joyful sophistication that continue to define the world of Piaget.
Big, Bold and Built for Everywhere
2026 Chevrolet Tahoe Z71
Some SUVs are designed for school runs, while others are designed to make every journey feel like an expedition. The 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe Z71 belongs firmly in the latter category. Massive in presence yet surprisingly refined behind the wheel, the latest Tahoe continues Chevrolet’s formula of blending full-size American muscle with modern technology and genuine off-road capability. Driving the Tahoe Z71 around Dubai immediately reminds you why large SUVs still command such loyalty in the region. From Sheikh Zayed Road to rougher desert-edge terrain outside the city, the Tahoe feels completely at home. It is commanding without feeling cumbersome, luxurious without losing its rugged edge, and powerful in a way that only a naturally aspirated V8 can deliver. The Z71 trim adds an extra layer of adventure-focused character to the Tahoe, giving it a tougher visual identity and enhanced off-road credentials.
Exterior
The Tahoe Z71 looks every bit the full-size American SUV. Its sheer scale alone gives it presence, but Chevrolet has added enough rugged detailing to ensure the Z71 stands apart from more urban-focused variants. The high-approach-angle front fascia, black tubular assist steps, red recovery hooks, and aluminium skid plate immediately signal its off-road intentions. Combined with the dark exterior detailing and large 20-inch machined wheels with technical grey accents, the Tahoe Z71 carries a muscular and purposeful stance that feels perfectly suited to the Middle East. The panoramic power sunroof adds a welcome sense of openness, as does the elevated driving position and extensive camera systems.
Interior
Inside, the Tahoe Z71 balances rugged practicality with genuine comfort remarkably well. The cabin feels spacious in every direction, with three rows capable of comfortably accommodating adults without compromise. The Gideon and Dark Atmosphere leather interior trim gives the cabin a premium feel, while heated front and second-row seats, tri-zone climate control, and extensive power seat adjustments make long-distance journeys effortlessly comfortable. We love that there are storage spaces everywhere and the large centre console with freezer mode feels especially useful in the UAE climate. The power-folding third-row seats also make cargo flexibility far easier when switching between passengers and luggage. Rear passengers are especially well catered for with the available Rear Seat Entertainment System, turning family road trips into genuinely relaxing experiences.
Technology
Chevrolet has significantly modernised the Tahoe’s technology experience, and the Z71 benefits from a comprehensive suite of connectivity and driver assistance systems. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work seamlessly, while 5G connectivity capability keeps the Tahoe feeling constantly connected. The premium branded surround audio system delivers impressive sound quality, particularly when paired with the quiet cruising refinement of the SUV. The HD Surround Vision camera system is arguably essential, dramatically improving confidence while parking and manoeuvring in tighter spaces. Adaptive Cruise Control, Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert with Braking, and Side Obstacle Detection all operate discreetly in the background to make daily driving feel less demanding.
Performance
The Tahoe Z71 is powered as standard by a 5.3-litre V8 paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, but the available 6.2-litre EcoTec3 V8 transforms the experience entirely. It delivers effortless power with the kind of smooth, naturally aspirated response that has become increasingly rare in today’s turbocharged world. The dual exhaust system adds a subtle but satisfying V8 soundtrack without becoming overwhelming. What impresses most, however, is how the Air Ride Adaptive Suspension and Magnetic Ride Control dramatically improve ride comfort and body control. This allows it to glide over rough surfaces while still remaining stable at higher speeds. Off-road capability is equally strong. The two-speed Autotrac transfer case, electronic limited-slip differential, hill descent control, and off-road capability package give the Z71 genuine confidence away from paved roads.
Our Verdict
The 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe Z71 remains one of the most complete full-size SUVs on the market. It delivers exactly what buyers in this segment want: commanding presence, immense practicality, genuine V8 performance, serious off-road capability, and the ability to carry an entire family in complete comfort. The Z71 trim adds just the right amount of adventure-focused attitude to the formula. It looks tougher, feels more capable, and still manages to deliver the comfort expected from a premium family vehicle.
When Museums Become Bridges That Connect Cultures
International Museum Day Sparks Dialogue at Ajman University and Explores the Power of Cultural Connection
UAE-based immersive exhibition pioneers, MTE Studios brought global cultural dialogue into focus during a thought-provoking International Museum Day 2026 session at Ajman University, where founder Ludo Verheyen explored the timely theme of “Museums Uniting a Divided World.” Known internationally for creating large-scale educational and cultural experiences, MTE Studios continues to position the UAE as an emerging hub for globally relevant storytelling, immersive learning and cross-cultural engagement.
Through compelling global examples including the African Museum in Tervuren, the Apartheid Museum in South Africa, and MTE Studios’ own globally recognised Sultans of Science travelling exhibition, Ludo highlighted how museums are evolving beyond spaces that simply display objects. Instead, they are becoming places of dialogue, reflection, understanding and human connection.
One of the strongest messages from the session was how exhibitions can create bridges between cultures in ways politics often cannot. Drawing from the international success of Sultans of Science, Ludo spoke about reclaiming shared intellectual ancestry, challenging historical silence, and using storytelling to inspire curiosity instead of division.
Hosted in collaboration with ICOM UAE, the event brought together students, creatives and cultural thinkers for meaningful conversations around the role museums play in shaping empathy, preserving memory and building a more connected future.
With offices in Dubai and Cape Town, MTE Studios has delivered landmark projects across multiple continents. Its notable portfolio includes the award-winning Science Museum at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia, Ajman Fort Museum, Masfoot Museum, Dubai Transport Museum and helped revitalize the Al-Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, preserving its cultural heritage while integrating modern elements. among other acclaimed cultural and educational experiences.
Beyond the Bowl
How Maki & Ramen Brought Soulful Japanese Dining to Dubai
Natasha Dury
There are restaurants that open with fanfare, and then there are brands that arrive with genuine soul. Maki & Ramen belongs firmly to the latter. When the celebrated UK-born Japanese dining concept opened its doors in Dubai, it immediately stood apart not because it tried too hard to impress, but because it understood something many modern restaurants forget: great food is ultimately about connection, comfort, and authenticity.
From the very first visit, there was an energy about the space that felt refreshingly unpretentious. Tucked within the Mövenpick Hotel in Jumeirah Village Triangle, the restaurant blends contemporary Japanese aesthetics with a warmth that feels welcoming rather than theatrical. Oak wood textures, soft lighting, and an understated design language create an atmosphere that invites diners to settle in rather than simply pass through.
For me, it is the food that leaves the lasting impression and it is not only because my collegaues have crowned me the Ramen Queen of Dubai and I am biased towards this genre of food. I genuinely loved the food and also enjoyed the bowls that came ready to heat and eat at home after visiting the restaurant.
The ramen arrives rich, layered, and deeply comforting, carrying the kind of slow-cooked intensity that reveals itself spoonful after spoonful. The sushi feels vibrant and fresh without unnecessary complication, while dishes such as the Tan Tan Men and Salmon Teriyaki Roll showcase the balance between authenticity and broad appeal that has become central to the brand’s success. The curry ramen, in particular, has become something of a signature, delivering bold flavour with remarkable depth.
What makes Maki & Ramen especially compelling is that its growth story never feels manufactured. Founded in Edinburgh as a modest 30-seat ramen bar, the brand has expanded into an 18-location restaurant group across the UK, with further growth already underway. Yet despite its scale, the philosophy behind it remains rooted in accessibility and sincerity. The mission has always been clear: to make high-quality Japanese food approachable without compromising integrity.
That philosophy becomes even more meaningful after meeting the man behind it in Dubai. Chef Teddy Lee is not simply a restaurateur chasing expansion. He is someone who built his understanding of hospitality from the ground up, beginning in his family’s Chinese restaurant before immersing himself in the discipline and precision of Japanese ramen culture. His journey eventually took him to Tokyo, where he trained under Japanese masters and refined the craft that would later shape Maki & Ramen’s identity.
What makes Teddy particularly inspiring is not only his work ethic, though stories of fourteen-hour days and relentless refinement speak volumes, but the clarity of his vision. He speaks about Japanese cuisine with reverence, yet without exclusivity. His belief that authentic food should never feel gatekept or intimidating resonates strongly in today’s dining landscape. Meeting him in Dubai made it easy to understand why the brand has cultivated such loyalty.
Dubai’s dining scene is hardly short of spectacle, yet Maki & Ramen succeeds by focusing on something more enduring. It delivers flavour with honesty, hospitality with heart, and a dining experience that feels personal in an increasingly performative restaurant landscape. And sometimes, that is exactly what makes a restaurant unforgettable.
Globalista Extraordinaire 