Category: Middle East VIPs

Irresistible Designs of Walid Atallah

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An evening with Walid Atallah

I reckon we are super lucky to live in a city that has amazing fashion designers and Walid Attalah has to be one the leading ones not just regionally but Internationally. Afterall he is internationally known for his exquisite evening and bridal designs, and for his skillful use of diamonds, precious stones and Swarovski crystals – remember that beautiful wedding dress worth U.S. $ 1.2 million that created waves in the fashion industry (I think that’s when I first really noticed his work).

We are both born in 1973 so I totally admire the fact that Walid has reached so much higher success than I could ever do and love listening to him about his journey to where he is in the fashion scene today as inspiration. Thanks to Ashraf and his impromtu coffee timings, I got to spend an evening early last week with Walid for a tour of his shop and got a sneak peek on what’s coming next and what drives him creatively for his awesome collections.

Walid was born in Beirut in an affectionate family who were inspired by beauty and style. He naturally followed his heart, studied fashion designing and graduated from University of Chicago. I was fortunate to watch him work as he flitted through his base in Dubai looking, touching and contemplating his designs in progress. Walid chose Dubai to launch his fashion-design career using fascinating designs mixing the charm of the East with the West. He was the first designer to add diamonds in his collection – every woman desires his outfits, which makes his final ensemble very irresistible.

Today Walid has made his mark in the to fashion capitals of the world by introducing numerous collections of dozens of memorable fashion pieces at his shows which have been a success throughout the Arab world, Italy and France, where he received the International Design Excellence Award of the Association of French Fashion Designers. He has made two appearances at the Couture Fashion Week in New York two years in a row with a favorable and enthusiastic response from the audience and peers in the fashion industry. He has also done shows in London and Toronto that he is very proud of.

While walking around looking at his gowns, I also discovered that Walid has his own line of luxury jewelry made of diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, blue pearls from the sea and Tahiti, and fine watches. Not only that, this talented and versatile designer has also launched a Ready-to-wear line called “W”, which includes jeans and tops for women in fashion and modern today.

It was also interesting to see beautiful shoes as I walked around looking at Walid Atallah’s dresses and he tells us how after the shoes and jewellery, his next venture will be to do a perfume. Naturally his passion for always spending time sketching as a hobby has paid off. Initially he was designing dresses for his sister, including once making a dress for her from a blanket and then did costumes for theatrical productions at school. He knew he had made the right choice when he felt immense joy after seeing the end product of his dress made out of diamonds and emeralds.

Walid who is married with one daughter and two sons is delighted that his daughter is showing an interest in the fashion design industry. He feels more inspired now to continue his expansion plans to other Emirates as well as Qatar, Saudi and Oman. And although Walid feels he has become more moderate with his designs, its only because he wants to concentrate more on the creation of originals which reflect different types of femininity. He is inspired by beauty, by dreams, flowers, nature, gold, birds and other elements of nature and he feels the variety is reflected in his new collections.

My first introduction to Walid and his beautiful wife was at a fashion show that Walid specifically worked on for Mercedes-Benz. Since then, he has done various unique shows, all very commendable with Rolls Royce, which I thoroughly enjoyed in Abu Dhabi and with LG and Philips. To make the optimum use of his time, Walid likes to focus on work during his most productive and creative hours. If this comes at 5am, then he will get up and sketch instead of keeping to the usual working hours…. I am a strong believer in this way of working after talking to so many successful people in the creative industry.

Walid hopes now to continue to expand his business with more branches in UAE, Qatar, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and Libya and is looking at other vibrant markets….I know he will make it happen!

A tribute to Adi Litia Samanunu Cakobau-Talakuli – Our sweet Princess

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My family and friends who knew my connection with an amazing woman who I was privileged to have as my boss in KL have been calling to offer condolences as she sadly passed away last week. It was naturally a shock to hear the news as I always felt she was always going to be around and I will see her again during my trips to Fiji.

Like my gorgeous friend Bernadette, also a parliamentarian, I loved the positive energy of Adi who was an amazing leader for all of us working at the Fiji High Commission in Kuala Lumpur.

Adi was a highly respected Fijian chief, politician, and diplomat. She was the eldest child of Ratu Sir George Cakobau, the late Vunivalu of Bau and Governor General of Fiji. She was Minister for Fijian Affairs and was considered as a candidate for the Vice-Presidency in 1997 but she became Fiji’s High Commissioner to Malaysia where I was one of her staff and Ambassador to Thailand and the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific thereafter.

Adi was appointed to the Fijian Senate as one of nine nominees of the Fijian government and to the Cabinet as a Minister without portfolio. As the eldest child of the last Vunivalu of Bau, she was considered the senior-most chief of the Kubuna Confederacy.

Despite her Chiefly position, Adi was a kind, caring, gentle down to earth Princess who acted as a guide to young Fijians like us. She was an understanding boss and encouraged me to focus on my Masters Thesis after work every day without fail as we left the office.

As a young student in Kuala Lumpur, Adi was like a mother to me and to 3 other Fijian students in Kuala Lumpur. I enjoyed spending time with her both at the office and in the evenings when we had social engagements for the High Commission.

We never felt homesick as she, like all the other Fijian Ambassadors and High Commissioners before, made sure we always had a room in her house to stay over when we had official functions and personally cooked meals for me if I ever dropped in to visit her. She loved singing with us when the rugby players came to KL for the Cobra 7s, when we celebrated Fiji Day and generally anytime we had guests from Fiji.

Adi was a beautiful Princess, in her looks and in her heart. Most people who met her always mentioned to me afterwards how wonderful and regal she was without knowing that she was indeed a royalty in Fiji.

She was my first role model and if I am calm and collected today during the most difficult situations, it is because she taught me to be a lady. She brought people together and I remember how supportive she was when I was coming to Dubai and had to leave my siblings in KL to complete their degrees. She was my pillar of strength as I felt there was someone my siblings could turn to in my absence.

I wish I was in Fiji the last few days to pay my last respects to a woman who was my first female boss, my guardian during my student days, my role model and a caring mother figure when I needed to speak to someone during my time in Kuala Lumpur. We will forever remember Adi’s kindness and her guidance to all of us.

May her beautiful soul rest in peace.

Ya Ghali – Bil Arabi’s superb collection by Nadine

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With Nadine at a Donna Karan show

One of my favourite pieces from Nadine

Recently I have had the pleasure of chatting at various times to Bil Arabi designer Nadine Kanso who not long ago launched her new Ya Ghali jewellery collection exclusively at Harvey Nichols.

To the uninitiated, Ya Ghali showcases luxury pieces made from white gold and gems, layered with yellow gold additions and semi-precious stones that are the hallmarks of Nadine’s Bil Arabi line.

In her limited edition collection for Harvey Nichols, Nadine took the classical and melded it with her unique creative insight to craft something that is at once timeless yet typically playful of her style.

The Arabic phrase ‘Ya Ghali’ is colloquially used to reference that which is dearest to the heart and also expensive; the collection embodies a sense of lightheartedness that only the most discerning eye will detect.

I loved the Ya Ghali collection which has rings, necklaces, earrings and bracelets that reference the themes Bil Arabi is recognised for – love, nature, butterflies and of course, the Arab identity. The Arabic calligraphy that represents the foundation of the Bil Arabi line, using both individual letters and words, connects with the classical pieces in a way that appears incongruous and yet produces something meaningful.

What I love most about Nadine’s work is how she captures the essence of the modern Arab identity – unique, unavoidable and with a need to be seen and heard. The new generation of Arabs should be proud to be the keepers of their rich cultural legacy and Nadine uses her jewellery as one medium for communicating what it means to be young, Arab and proud.

She is successful in this and has truly excelled and introduced yet another way of conveying what is dear to her clientele’s hearts. The collision of history, tradition and popular culture has formed the basis for much of Nadine’s work. Her artistic sensibility, connected with collage as an art form, has recurring references in all her creative work, using fragments to create a new whole. I for one absolutely love the passion she exudes and love being in her company – a wonderful individual, sweet, down to earth and super talented to boot.

If you want to have a peek at the jewellery, the Ya Ghali by Bil Arabi collection is available exclusively at the Fine Jewellery & Watches Department of Harvey Nichols  in Mall of the Emirates.

One of the more glamorous pieces from Nadine

The German Emirati Joint Council for Industry & Commerce (AHK)

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An amazing number of business groups got together at The Ritz DIFC for networking

Last week, various business groups got together under one roof at the Ritz Carlton DIFC…..I was representing the International Business Women’s Group and we had special invites from the very generous Australian Business Council to attend this networking event. I met a lovely lady there, Dr. Anna Uzarowska from the German Emirati Joint Council for Industry & Commerce (AHK), a German semi-governmental organization and member of the world-wide German Chambers Network.

It was founded in May 2009 and was inaugurated by the former German Federal Minister of Economy and Technology.

Anna sent me a note post the networking saying that the AHK is the first bilateral federal business organization as well as the first international institution on federal level which has been founded in the Gulf. It promotes and supports trade relations between Germany and the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain and in particular supports German companies in building up and extending their business in the region.

AHK represents the interests of the German business community in the UAE as well as the interests of all its members (both German and local companies). Regardless of the company size or the nationality, AHK members are VIP clients who are offered support from the network of the group, contacts and services. Check them out on  www.ahkuae.com

Hello Kitty Beauty Spa….little diva may need spa allowance

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Yummy Yummy, in my tummy :). Hello Kitty cupcake

I don’t mind taking little diva out for the occasional pampering session to get her hair or nails done but with the world’s first ever, Hello Kitty Beauty Spa now launched at Town Centre Jumeirah, I may have to share my spa and beauty allowance as it seems the idea of going to a Hello Kitty spa appeals to little girls like her….but I love my little diva heaps so am willing to do the mother daughter bonding thingy in a spa instead of the usual bumming with a romantic comedy on the sofa with junk food session.

I was at the dazzling launch with my favourite and the sweetest diplomatic couple ever (Mr & Mrs Daisuke) from the Japanese consulate as we enjoyed branded Hello Kitty cupcakes and drinks. The Beauty Spa is themed and designed on the famous Japanese character ‘Hello Kitty’ and specially designed for ‘Queens’ and their little ‘Princesses’.

The lead designer Miyuki Okamura from Tokyo drew the character and signed stuff for fans present at the event.  Hello Kitty Beauty Spa is an innovative extension to the brand which allows a younger audience to experience the luxury and pleasures of a day at the Beauty Spa.

I loved the interior, the different lines of products they had, from organic to normal make-up, hair products and even food in the Kitty Cafe section. The design of the spa is that of ‘vintage girly look’ and the minimalist reception displays the best of Hello Kitty goodies. The services at the spa include nails, facials, hair and make-up.

The Beauty Spa offers a separate service menu for ‘Queen’ and ‘Princesses’, offering all organic nail and beauty products for young girls. Just so you know, Hello Kitty was born in 1974 – a year after I came into the world and when good things started to happen :).

Over the years, Hello Kitty has become one of the most unique and interesting icon ever created – a worldwide social icon with relevance to women of all ages, ethnicities and economic backgrounds as well as an inspiration to artists and designers. It is one of Japan’s unique cultural exports, and one of the ultimate symbols of Kawaii, meaning cute in Japanese.

Three decades since she made her debut on a small coin purse in Japan, her popularity has multiplied exponentially from Japan to the world. Thanks to Sharaf Retail, we can enjoy the chilled out side of Hello Kitty in Dubai and I’m glad I can now have spa sessions with little diva NJD on weekends.

Had loads of laughs dressing up for the official pic at entrance 🙂

Hello Kitty tattoo on a cheeky place

It is time for Dubai Summer Surprises

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NJD after a DSS face painting when she was young….she always chose a tiger design

Summer in Dubai these days are a lot different than 10 years ago thanks to the Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment, an agency under the Department of Economic Development of Dubai who have planned more than a 100 exciting shows and activities over 31 days set to cement Dubai’s reputation as the finest summer destination in the region through Dubai Summer Surprises 2012 (DSS).

DSS will run from June 14th to July 14th with the slogan “Dubai. Summer Fun and More”. I remember working with the DSF/DSS team in 2000 and had lots of fun at the DSF offices then with H.E. Laila Suhail who is now the CEO of DEPE and Ibrahim Saleh, Festivals Coordinator General and Deputy CEO of DEPE. Both of them are just as dynamic as I knew them 12 years ago and its great to see that they keep each year’s events fresh with new activities….I’m particularly excited with all the spa offers I’m about to experience – my body certainly needs it.

To know what you want to indulge in this year, check out the “Dubai Calendar” which gives visitors and residents a month-by-month line-up of the unique and entertaining events taking place in the city all year round and it is a great source of reference for anyone wanting to make the most of their time in Dubai….it is an awesome tool for people who have visitors all the time in Dubai.

This year’s partners and sponsors which includes Emirates Airlines, AW Rostamani, Al Futtaim Group, Emaar Malls Group, Emaar Properties, Majid Al Futtaim Properties, Al Ghurair City, Mercato, Paris Gallery, EPPCO and ENOC, Dubai World Trade Center, Dubai Duty Free in addition to Master card and Dubai Shopping Malls Group (DSMG), all of which, over the years, have played an important role in the success and continuing growth of DSS.

Malls across the city will play host to DSS signature events, such as World of Stories, Kids Fashion Week, Min Bladi Al Emarat, and the Sheila and Abaya Fashion Show, and kids can look forward to 8 highly popular international stage cartoon shows such as The Smurfs, Barbie, Hello Kitty, Sponge Bob, Charlie and Lola, Ice Age, and Teletubbies….man these bring memories of us going all over town with little diva. I must say I am glad she’s all grown up now and enjoys DSS the way I like – retail therapy!

My favourite bit this DSS will be naturally be the spa offers program “Dubai Spas” with cool discounts at the cream of Dubai’s luxurious spas. I’m not big into raffles partly because I never win anything but DSS usually has some mega prizes.

I’m pretty sure there is a lot more news coming up for DSS but the taster activity schedule that landed in my inbox makes me want to just here all summer.


Senses and Sensibilities

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Hend Al Falafly’s pencil and acrylic on canvas

Last week I found my yoga, zumba & Muay Thai classes missing on schedule an entire evening – not wanting to do anything in the gym that was not musically oriented, I set out art gallery hopping so my creative side gets a dose of eye candy (not male related for once).

The most delightful exhibition, being a super sensuous chick that I am was Hend El Falafly’s exhibition at Art Sawa. Hend, an Egyptian who lives and works in Cairo was sweetness and light personified and it was my luck that she was at the gallery at the time of my visit.

Over some nuts and dried apricots with fruit cocktails, we got chatting and it was interesting to marry her persona to the paintings I was so overwhelmed by on the walls.

Hend explains that realism at times worries her and she wants to express that through her work. Being inquisitive, I dig deeper and it is clear that her work has a symbolic and very expressive meaning behind it. Being a woman and despite my tomboy tendencies, I was moved by each of her sexily sensuous pieces.

Hend explores through her intimate works in ”Senses and Sensibilities” the different emotions expressed by women, usually which are part of her everyday life. She uses body language to understand the meaningful silence carried over by their experiences and stories. These are reflected in all its semantic in the facial expressions and movements of the hands, the feet, the look ,the clothes and emotions repressed.

And with the silence of the lips, it is usually the eyes which transcends all the languages and spoken in a glance, an unspeakable tongue that denies lies and hypocrisies. I agree with this fully as I’m always told that no matter what I am thinking or feeling, my eyes always betray what I really feel and are the windows to my soul….its not always a good thing but over the years I’ve learnt that my eyes betray me and if it reflects sadness at any time, I end up crying because I know the person across me knows I’m hurting….its not nice for the other person but hey….I’m a woman and I can do what I feel like.

Hend tells me that an array of different areas of reality inspires her and have great impact on her works, which is revealed through incredible movement and light. No secret can be kept hidden……if you want to see her amazing work for yourself, its at DIFC Art Sawa until 19th June. Enjoy!

With artist Hend El Falafly

Celebrating cuisine that’s just as spicy as moi

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My favourite Thai dish in KL was nasi Pattaya….which is fried rice wrapped in thin omelette. In Dubai its everything on the Sukothai menu 🙂

Last Saturday, I made a supreme effort to get out of my pyjamas end of day to catch up with my cool friends from The Tourism Authority of Thailand at Dusit Dubai as they launched the “Amazing Taste of Thailand Festival 2012”. I don’t normally sacrifice my weekend for ordinary people or events but I love everything about Thailand and the people from Thailand have become some of my closest friends here so I was there in all my glory…. I love the country, got married there after a crazy weekend trip from KL (in Hatyai with a few weeks in Krabi), love the food, love the spas, love Muay Thai, love shopping in Bangkok, love the people of Pattaya and the list goes on.

Basically I was invited since everyone from the Thai Embassy, the Thai spas know how dedicated I am to my food and massage sessions and they are very right. In a nutshell, the month-long festival is until 7th July 2012,during which time diners at 13- participating restaurants will have the opportunity to win gift vouchers and a number of exciting prizes including a trip to Bangkok with Thai Airways.

“The Amazing Taste of Thailand” launch event was co-hosted by the Dusit Thani, Dubai and Thai Airways and began with a welcome speech from H.E. Mr. Somchai Charanasomboon, Ambassador of Royal Thai Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the ever so dynamic Wisoot Buachoom, Director of Tourism Authority of Thailand.

There were also two performances of traditional Thai dancing, fruit carving demonstrations and live cooking stalls where the 13 participating restaurants show cased their individual specialist Thai cuisine. The restaurants participating in the “Amazing Taste of Thailand Food Fest 2012” include Benjarong, Blue Elephant, Pai Thai, Sukhothai, Spice Emporium, Ban Khun Mae, The Kitchen of Thai, Shang Thai, Thai Chi, The Royal Buddha, Chimes, The Thai Kitchen in Dubai and the Taste Restaurant in Fujairah.

The ‘Thainess’, which is at the heart of Thai hospitality permeates across all of Thailand, from amazing beaches and natural environment to culinary expertise. Thai cuisine is a key element of ‘Amazing Thailand’ and the ingredients used, the various herbs and spices together with cooking methods is all part of the essence of Thailand.

Looks like the next few weeks are going to be a culinary adventure for me and anyone who wants to be in my company for meals….can you stomach the spiciness levels of this diva?

Excellence Awards at Burj Al Arab

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My first event in Dubai was in this ballroom at Burj Al Arab when we launched e-vision….fond memories whenever I go there for the excellence awards

I wanted to drive around Dubai the last 2 days to get the full experience of the Inifiniti QX56 so it was natural to take it to somewhere like the Burj Al Arab to see if the car got as much attention as it’s enormous size….it did and I was surprised to see it parked right at the entrance amongst the Ferrari’s and a pretty cool Aston Martin. 

My visit there was mainly to once again check out excellence awards as always by my friends at Datamatix…..this time it was the 17th Middle East eGovernment and eServices Excellence awards. I am a regular at the Al Falak ballroom for these awards ceremonies in different fields and love it to bits as I get to listen to inspirational talks by the movers and shakers of the region in an intimate setting and learn so much about leadership, the winners’ journies towards excellence and what they will do to maintain on top of the game.

The high-profile awards ceremony honored some of the most outstanding achievements of innovators, developers and experts who are revolutionizing the eGovernment systems in the region. The ceremony and gala dinner was graced by the presence of chief guest H.E. Dr. Rashid Ahmed Bin Fahad, Minister of Environment and Water, United Arab Emirates and prominent figures, VIPs, CIOs and decision makers from government, business and international institutions.

As usual, the ceremony began with the welcome message by a forever dynamic  Ali Al Kamali, Managing Director, Middle East Excellence Awards Institute. He  expressed how eGovernments have become the focus of public sector reforms – an instrument to increase efficiency, strengthen competitiveness and enhance modernization transforming regional governance and ushering in innovation in the back office.

The winners of the 2012, 17th Middle East eGovernment and eServices Excellence Awards are:

Best Project Award – e-ambassador system, Ministry of Higher Education – KSA, Award received by H.E Dr.Abdulkader Al-Fantoukh, Deputy Minister of Higher Education

Women’s IT Skills Development Excellence Award – Princess Noura Bint Abdul Rahman University, award received by H.E Dr. Nasser Bin Abdulkarim Al Moajel, General Manager information Technology Department

Information and Knowledge Portal Excellence Award – Al Jazeera.net, award received by Dr. Mustapha Souag, GM AL Jazeera Channel

eCitizen and eParticipation Excellence Awards – Ministry of Foreign Affairs – UAE, award received by Dr.Saeed K. Al Dhaheri Advisor to the Minister, Information Systems UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs

e-Initiative Excellence Award – Human Right’s Commission – KSA, award received by Dr. Bandar bin Mohammed Al-Aiban, President of the Human Rights Commission of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

eBusiness Portal Excellence Award – Saudi Post, Award Received by H.E Eng. Mudayan Bin Abdulrahman Al Mudayan, Vice President for Information Technology and Technical Affairs

e-Portal Excellence Award – Public Pension Agency – KSA, award received by Mr. Sami Abdullah Al Jammaz  Information Centre Director, Public Pension Agency KSA

Best Use of ICT Excellence Award – Dubai Courts, award received by H.E Dr. Ahmed Bin Hazeem, GM Dubai Courts

Mobile Application Development Excellence Award – Al Ain City Municipality – Municipal Services Sector, award received by H.E Dr. Matar Mohammed Saif Al Nuaimi the General Manager Al Ain Municipality

eSolutions Provider Excellence Award – Sejel Technology Company – KSA, award received by H.E. Eng. Ahmed Bin Alawi Ghamri, CEO, Sejel Technology Company Ltd. – Jeddah – K.S.A.

mGovernment Excellence Award – Department of e-Transactions and Communications – King Saudi University, award received by Dr. Esam A. Alwagait,  Dean, e-Transactions and Communications King Saud University

e-Health strategy Excellence Award – Ministry of Health – KSA, Award received by Dr. Mohammed Bin Rashed Al Yemeni, Deputy Minister for Planning and Health Economics Ministry of Health – KSA

Special thanks were offered to Al Riyadh Newspaper which was received by Mr. Ali Al Kowhais, Director of Al Riyadh Newspaper, South African Parliamentary delegation and Libyan delegation.

The Middle East Excellence Awards Institute, for the past several years, has persevered to recognize, honor and promote the achievements of the region’s leaders and organizations and to commend their outstanding performance and commitment to excellence…. I love the fact that I get to meet so many interesting people at these awards ceremonies who are leaders in their respective fields and one can’t help but be inspired by their energy and dedication.

Inspirational coffee moment with Colm McLoughlin

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With Colm and Sinead…. movers and shakers behind the most successful brand in Dubai

After seeing Colm McLoughlin around town and in the media for over 11 years, I finally had a chance for a delightful chat with the man behind the most successful Duty Free retail venture in the world. I always wanted to do a blog on him so when our awesome Group was given an opportunity to get up, close and personal with Colm one morning a few months ago, naturally I jumped at the opportunity, had a chat with him and then found out even more later about the many initiatives he and his team help support via DDF.

Arriving in the UAE from Ireland in 1983 to help set up Dubai Duty Free (DDF) on a short-term contract with just a team of 10 people, Colm was enticed to stay longer to realize the vision of H.H Sheikh Mohammed to make DDF the most vibrant, successful and profitable airport retail organisation in the world. Over 28 years later, we find that the growth of DDF has surpassed all the goals that Colm had set and has gone beyond that into other fields as well. From 100 staff and earning 72 million revenues, DDF today has over 4,000 employees and posted Dhs4.6billion in revenues.

About 48 members of the original team are still with DDF and after facing the many travel related challenges over the years, and starting with concession shops to see the company grow into a major airport retailer today. Apart from owning the Aviation Club that houses the Dubai Tennis Stadium and The Irish Village and Century Village, Colm tells us of DDF’s plans to build a hotel within the same complex that would be run by the Jumeirah Group. The five star Jumeirah Creekside hotel will have 293 bedrooms with an all day dining restaurant.

While most people revel in DDF’s retail success, many associate the brand also with major sports tournaments and CSR initiatives. Colm tells us about the birth of Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, the 20th year anniversary of the tournament this year and the fact that it is seen worldwide on TV in over 400 million homes. He is particularly delighted by the fact that the players always vote DDF as the best tennis championship in the world. The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships was honoured by the ATP, being named as the ATP World Tour 500 Tournament of the Year for 2011. This is the eighth time in nine years that the Tournament has won the Award, a truly impressive achievement.

Other than tennis, DDF also sponsors the Desert Classic Golf Tournament, World Cup Horse Racing the Dubai Film Festival amongst other key events that help drive tourism and put Dubai on the map for world class events. Other events associated with DDF is the Irish Derby, Emirates Festival of Literature, local productions like City of Life, Gulf For Good, the library at DUCTAC as well as managing the DDF Foundation for children’s education and health in countries like Vietnam, Philippines, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

Dubai Duty Free also supports ‘Hand in Hand for Haiti’, the travel retail industry-funded educational initiative, where DDF Foundation provided US$500,000 to finance a new Sports Complex at the Lycee Jean Baptiste Pointe du Sable School in the town of Saint Marc. The DDF Sports Complex at the Lycee school will offer pupils and the wider community in Saint Marc an outstanding sports and leisure facility. Facilities will include an international regulation soccer pitch, a 6-lane athletic track, a basketball court and a volleyball court.

During our conversation, it also emerged that DDF has won over 250 awards. But Colm personally also received an award recently by the Garbally College, which presented 55 former pupils with Alumni Awards. Colm with his two brothers Ray and Feidlim were amongst fellow alumni that included prominent and highly respected Irish professionals from the field of Business, Politics, Science, Education, Religion and the Arts. Both of Colm’s older brothers, Ray and Feidlim, have enjoyed highly successful business careers combined with high profile sporting success on the rugby field.

In addition to awards and CSR related events, Colm also supports initiatives by DDF to raise awareness and create environmental ambassadors within its operation. Dubai Duty Free sponsored two of its employees’ recently to participate in the ‘International Antarctic Expedition 2012’ expedition led by the renowned polar explorer and environmentalist Robert Swan, OBE. I asked Colm on DDF’s future plans and he enthusiastically tells us about Dubai Airports expansion plans, which would result in further growth of DDF with at least 1,000 more staff and 8,000sqm of retail space at concourse three. The concourse is anticipated to complete beginning of next year followed by another concourse three to four years later.

With the two new concourse areas, Colm expects sales to exceed the Dhs10billion mark with staff numbers increasing to over 8,000 to support the footprint at the bigger airport due to increased traffic. Speaking of some of his proudest achievements, Colm talks about team building initiatives and training provided to DDF staff. The management encourages staff to achieve exceptional results and provide them with all the facilities and tools to help them perform better in the workplace.

DDF is known to provide sports facilities at the residences of staff as well as computers and programmes so that they continuously improve their skills. Colm attributes this initiative to His Highness Sheikh Ahmed who is seen as a superstar as a boss who provides opportunities to his team to grow themselves and DDF to new heights.

In his leisure time Colm loves to cycle, swim and play golf. In ten years he hopes to see DDF doubling the business with more than 50 nationalities working together to sustain DDF in its pole position as the best airport retailer in the world. It was a pleasure spending the morning with Colm and Sinead and I hope to get insights from him and his team, who are equally dynamic, more often.