Cupping – my latest alternative therapy adventure

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In true diva style I decided to venture out and try yet another alternative therapy for my stiff neck – I blame it on all the people in my life whose game plan is to make my life as difficult and stressful and possible to test my limits :).

Anyway….after a fantastic Turkish hammam experience, I went into the therapist’s room adorned with images of cupping as she explained that I would have circle marks on my back for a week. I joked that if she placed the cups strategically, perhaps the circles could appear sexily symmetrically on my back so I could do henna tattoos around it – she looked at me as though I was the biggest sceptic in the world so I shut my humourous side out for the next hour and left my back in her expert hands.

Cupping therapy is an ancient medical treatment that relies on creating a local suction which mobilises the blood flow to promote healing. Ancient Chinese medicine doctors prescribe this when blood and lymph stagnation needs treatment.

You can do cupping in Dubai and I have also done it in Bahrain….both cities have good spas for this. Cupping can affect the body up to 4 inches of the tissues, causing them to release toxins, activate the lymph system, clear colon blockages, activate veins, artilleries and capillaries. I’m also told it can help improve stretch marks and varicose veins.

My therapist (Maryanne) at Joz salon in Bahrain is awesome and she also mentioned that one can benefit from cupping for a broad range of ailments to help with physical and psychological well-being. I did it and loved it as my neck is less stiff than before and had sexy circles on my back to boot. It looked like I had sunned it with a top with holes in them.

If you want to give it a try, get recommendations of spas and salons… It may not be the best alternative therapy for everyone but it certainly made me feel chilled out without my neck pain.

Its time for Dim Sum

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Little Diva NJD is ready for dim sum in Seoul Korea

Taking mandarin lessons is tough….the language is tough as it is but for some reason, most syllabus use food a lot in the lessons – I guess because everyone knows Chinese food so our dear teachers think it’s the easiest way to teach us the language.

Tonight my lesson was on Shaomai (shāo mài) which  is a traditional Chinese dumpling served in dianxin/dim sum. The first time I had this was on a roadside stall in Malaysia on my way from KL to Penang. My companion spoke mainly Cantonese and was a huge fan of dim sum. All I knew was that I loved the little bamboo steamers it came in and enjoyed each delicate piece with a dollop of spicy chilli sauce.

In my lesson today, I learnt that I should be able to recognise a Shaomai as it has a fluffy and flowery shape on the top. Although shaomai originates from steamed stuffed bun (I’ve seen a lot of these a lot on the streets of Malaysia, Hong Kong, Macau and Singapore), these two similar kinds of food have two main differences. First, the outer covering of shaomai is made of a thin sheet of lye water dough; Secondly, shaomai differ from steamed buns in that their outer covering is not sealed but instead has a pomegranate shape….i prefer the shaomai any day.

Once well steamed in the pot, shaomai are prized for the thin skin and abundant fillings. Shaomai is in the shape of a cup, not only delicious but also beautiful. There are two regional varieties of shaomai: a Cantonese version and a version from the Jiangnan region…frankly I couldn’t tell the difference but I certainly love a good shaomai in my Friday brunch.

In KL, I loved the dim sum varieties at the Pan Pacific Sunday brunch, In Singapore its best to try it at Paradise Point and in Dubai, Shangri-La does it best! I didn’t have much time in Korea and Macau to try good recommended Dim Sum but the best has to be in Hong Kong – I wanted to go to Maxim’s on the way to Fiji but the stopover was too short so I tried random restaurants and they were all awesome for dim sum.

Once again, I have diverted to food… I blame my Mandarin instructor. Each lesson this week was related to food and brought back heaps of memories from Asia.

Diva is in love….again… with ‘V’

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Talking perfumery with Victoria Christian

After a 12 year tryst with YSL’s Champagne and then Dior’s Poison and recently Midnight Rose by Lancome, it looks like my heart has turned to another…my olfactory nerves crave a new smell in form of ‘V’ Perfumes, the second release from Clive Christian’s Private Collection.

As Victoria (daughter of Clive Christian) tells me, the new release bears the same concentration and complexity for which the House has become synonymous. Clive named ‘V’ Perfumes after her… Victoria is his eldest daughter.

‘V’ for women is a White Floral Chypre where Orange Blossom, traditionally associated with joy and betrothal and is embraced by Rose and Jasmine. Entwined with soothing Chamomile and sensual Lavender, the spirit of this romantic Perfume brims with utter femininity.

Belonging to the Private Collection, ‘V’ for Women is presented in the customary deep amber bottle which pays tribute to the original apothecary bottles from the perfumery uniquely crowned by Queen Victoria in 1872.

Check out the specs on this baby – loving the base notes heaps:

Top Notes: Peach, Neroli, Bergamot
Heart Notes: Jasmine, Carnation, Ylang, Rose, Gardenia, Orange Blossom, Pink Pepper, Black Pepper, Chamomile, Lavender, Liatris, Helitrope, Coriander Seed, Cistus
Base Notes: Honey, Sandalwood, Ambrette Seed, Bensoin, Amber, Cistus, Oakmoss, Patchouli, Leather, Frankincense, Labdanum, Musk

I can’t wait for August when this will be sold to the general public through Paris Gallery…I’m just so glad I was the privileged few to get the private preview of this before it hits the Arabian shores. Highly recommended because the woman’s version is WOW! I could still smell the base notes more than 12 hours later.

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.

Mudo City sure looks good

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With Jean Renaud-Durbin of The Content Factory at Mudo City

One evening this week, I ventured to Dubai Mall in a bid to save my favourite Michael Kors shoe and one not so lovable Jimmy Choo which was a total waste of space but it is a Choo and fashion dictated it was worth saving :(. Anyway, the visit was coupled with checking out the debut of Mudo City one of the most famous Turkish brands to come to the UAE.

The store focuses on various retail sectors such as fashion, furniture and home décor, food and beverage, and entertainment at Dubai Mall. Established in 1964 by Mustafa Taviloğlu and Doğan Gürün, Mudo City began by selling gifts, records and hand-painted t-shirts. The small shop was the foundation of today’s Turkish retail giant.

I loved the Mudo Collection which features high-end fashion, Mudo Concept which includes home décor and furniture and Mudo Accessories. Asadel partnered with Mudo because of the rising demand for stylish, trendy and affordable products according to Ayman Jamil of Asadel. A pioneer in the Turkish fashion industry, Mudo Collection entered the ready to wear market offering quality and the latest fashion in both men’s and women’s wear.

The Mudo Concept works with solution partners around the world and also includes Turkish designed and produced items…..diva likes!

Hidden health secrets from Kiwifruit

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How gorgeous and tempting is this Kiwi Artwork

One of the beauties of coming from an exotic island tropical paradise is that you grow up eating wholesome organic fruits in abundance….and what we don’t have in sunny Fiji Islands, we get from our neighbours Australia & New Zealand. Without doubt, one of the most healthiest fruits from NZ is kiwifruit and the best ones to get is from ZESPRI which is now on the supermarket shelves of the UAE….delightful!

Since I am always on the lookout for the next best thing with health benefits, ZESPRI’s  “superfruit” status caught my eye. Citing the high levels of Vitamins C and E, low glycemic index (GI) and high fibre content of kiwifruit, New Zealand growers stress that it is particularly well suited to the UAE due to the help it provides in the management of diabetes, which is so prevalent here.

Supporting ZESPRI’s campaign is Hala Barghout, a leading nutritionist and licensed clinical dietician in Dubai. She stresses that everyone knows that citrus fruit contains vitamin C, but a kiwifruit actually contains twice as much vitamin C as an orange of the same size – and three times as much as a lemon. “Vitamin C helps strengthen the body’s defences and promotes healthy bones, teeth and blood vessels. Kiwifruit is high in fibre and is also a good source of the antioxidant Vitamin E. It provides twice the level of Vitamin E as an apple and is five times more nutritious.”

I met Warren Young and Ben Hughes from ZESPRI International who were explaining the difference between traditional green kiwifruit now on sale in the UAE and the newer gold variety which will be here later – it provides faster Vitamin C absorption in the body than an artificial vitamin supplement. I am the only one at home who eats Kiwifruit so I was delighted to hear what Hala and Ben had to say and may use this to convince NJD to start eating kiwifruit.

The kiwifruit actually originated in China and was known initially as the Chinese gooseberry when seeds were first transported to New Zealand. However, New Zealand growers became the world’s largest source for the fruit, which became known globally as the kiwifruit after New Zealand’s national symbol…..in fact in Fiji, when we say ‘are you a Kiwi?’, we mean are you a New Zealander. Since 20% of my family members are now Kiwi’s, perhaps its about time to hang out with them in Kiwi Land and try ZESPRI straight off the fields.

A. Lange & Söhne – New models seen in Dubai

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How gorgoeus are these novelty pieces from A. Lange Sohne

Most people know that I am not a morning person…. I don’t get up before 6am for love or for money but once in a while I do make an exception…..specially if its something as nice as having breakfast at Emirates Towers with like-minded people who love A. Lange & Sohne watches while enjoying an amazing view of Dubai from the top floor.

I was amongst a small group of about 15 people together with collectors discussing the love affair we have with our watches…. I never leave home without a watch and have one for every occasion…being a fashion rebel, I sometimes break the norm and come to work adorning my Roberto Cavalli snake watch in mother of pearl or go to an evening event wearing a Montblanc business watch with traditional black straps or a simple Salvador Dali that looks like it goes with anything….whose to say what works and sometimes being a rebel makes you stand out.

Anyway, following a successful launch at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) beginning of the year, A. Lange & Söhne’s new models have been on a tour across the Saxon luxury watch brand’s global boutiques. We were the first in the region to experience the latest highlights of Lange’s watchmaking artistry and I have to say it was super impressive.

The 2012 collection, an ideal expression of A. Lange & Söhne’s constant quest for perfection, was received with great enthusiasm during the Middle East premiere. Technical expertise combined with contemporary originality and an unmatched level of craftsmanship defines A. Lange & Söhne’s ever-lasting commitment: to build “the world’s finest watches”.

The central theme this year is the LANGE 1 watch family, headed by the Lange 1 Tourbillon PERPETUAL CALENDAR. With two large complications and a new type of instantaneously jumping month ring, it demonstrates once again the innovative potential of the manufactory. With a newly developed movement, the reworked GRAND LANGE 1 exhibits elegant proportions.

My favourite was a luminous LANGE 1 TIME ZONE in white gold which commends itself as the perfect travelling companion. The DATOGRAPH UP/DOWN illustrates that a timepiece widely considered perfect can still be improved. It has grown to 41 millimetres and incorporates an extended power reserve and a power-reserve indicator. Finally, the SAXONIA THIN, introduced last year, and with a height of just 5.9 millimetres the thinnest Lange watch, is now also available in white gold.

I must be one of very few women who shuns expensive yellow gold….and possibly the only one in my family who does not own any of the over designed yellow gold jewellery. I like white gold, diamonds and simplicity when it comes to my watches & jewellery so the new A. Lange & Sohne collection totally hits the spot. If you are big into watches, their new collection is awesome and a definite must see for enthusiasts and collectors.

You know a watch is precious when even the brand manager has to wear a white glove to try it out 🙂

Kids Read with British Council and HSBC

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NJD at the British Council & HSBC Kid’s Read initiative

I have blogged about the importance of reading before but after little diva and I ventured last weekend to the Kids Read initiative by British Council and HSBC Bank Middle East Limited at the Pavilion, I felt like talking about it further.

I first became interested in reading & language arts in the late 90’s and regularly ventured to Singapore to get training in Speech & Drama, Creative Writing and Reading modules at the Juliette McCully Speech Training Centre. It was great fun staying in Orchard Road and going to work every morning with the talented kids in Singapore as well as having awesome colleagues – I have fond memories of my colleague Claire from Australia who was the other expat exploring the country with me during weekends….we both agreed that we enjoyed the reading programmes so much that it didn’t feel like work and she did exchange programmes at our centre in Bangsar Kuala Lumpur making it equally enjoyable.

The Kids Read community event I attended the last week with HSBC and British Council was an interactive event which included storytelling, games and competitions for children. There were also instructional workshops for parents on how to encourage reading in their families as well as hints and tips on how to connect to their children through books. I have a library in every part of my villa, including my bathrooms and I wouldn’t have it any other way….it is awesome to be surrounded by books.

As NJD was way too advanced for the activities at Kids Read initiative, I took the opportunity to talk to the organisers about the programme while little diva indulged in her library book over a carrot cake and milkshake. I love how she voluntarily carries a selection of books every time she leaves the house no matter where we are going. A lot of credit goes to Eric and the fact that he tells her a bedtime story without fail every night so she goes to bed smiling and wants to complete her stories the next day out of curiosity.

According to both Jancis McGrady of British Council and Ammar Shams of HSBC, Kids Read aims to encourage reading for pleasure both inside and outside the classroom among primary school children in the MENA region. Through the joint efforts of the Ministries of Education, HSBC and the British Council, the Kids Read program hopes to reach 25,000 children across 13 countries in the MENA region over 1 academic year.

It is Commendable that HSBC, apart from providing 50 books to each school also get staff to volunteer in the reading programme … It’s a very hands on community event for all parties involved and I’m glad to hear this initiative will continue with new themes each time. I just wish NJD was exposed to these type of initiatives when she was young. Keep an eye out for the next one if you have young kids….its an awesome programme.

NJD gets a certificate…one of many she’s been bringing home recently :)…proud mum!

My favourite picture of Tash reading when she was young

“Collection Princesse Grace de Monaco” in Dubai

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My Blackberry camera does not do any justice to this piece

My visit to Dubai Mall got exciting one weekend recently seeing an exhibition as Montblanc paid tribute to the 20th Century’s Unforgettable Style Icon, (Princess Grace of Monaco of course) with a collection of precious, handcrafted jewellery, timepieces and writing instruments that is both feminine and timelessly elegant.

I am a huge fan of Montblanc already when it comes to watches, business card holders, pens, belts and diaries but I admit I never looked twice at their jewellery in the past. And every time I have entered a Mont Blanc shop, its because I needed inspiration to buy a gift for my guy friends….never for a woman and yet I have always walked out with something for me but just not jewellery. My best purchase there has to be a limited edition commemorative pen for a dear friend.

So it was different to see Montblanc in all their glory at the mall showing this new dazzling travelling collection which forms the centrepiece for a stunning commemorative exhibition of the late Princess. It was inspired by Princess Grace’s sophistication and her love of roses. Naturally Joe Nahhas of Montblanc was over the moon about hosting the special tribute collection in Dubai.  He was with Montblanc’s Creative Director Carlo Giordanetti who worked closely with Albert II, Sovereign Prince of Monaco, to design each piece of the tribute collection. Needless to say, every detail of the collection reflects Princess Grace’s alluring spirit, poise and glowing charm.

Giordenetti was beaming when he told us the idea for this collection was borne out of the Palace of Monaco when Montblanc writing instrument dedicated to Prince Rainier III was presented to Prince Albert with a special edition. He fell in love with it and told Mont Blanc to explore this idea further and create a tribute to his mother, Princess Grace, in the form of jewellery and watches.

Before she became Her Serene Highness, Princess Grace of Monaco was already royalty in Hollywood. Known then as Grace Kelly, she shot to fame in the early 1950s and by 1955 won the Oscar for Best Actress at The Academy Awards and is remembered and revered for her sophistication, classic, otherworldly beauty and her inimitable style is effortless and timeless. Beyond the external image, her innate elegance and kindness touched every aspect of her life and work. This elegance shone through her on-screen talents, through her indefatigable charity work, her commitment to family and her never-ending support for emerging artistic talent. This spirit, compassion and style are now distilled into the Montblanc collection.

The exquisite and emotive lemotif linking all four collections is the classic pink rose, Princess Grace’s favourite flower – quintessentially feminine, an emblem of romance, passion and everlasting beauty. The rose petal, ravishingly romantic and evocatively emblematic is embodied throughout the collection in precious materials, gold, diamonds and petal-shaped sapphires of an exquisite pink. Each piece of the four collections, many of them one of a kind or limited editions – is hand-crafted to the highest standards for which Montblanc is internationally renowned.

Representing her life as a princess, the high jewellery line features diamonds and rose-pink sapphires, specially cut in a lusciously sensual drop-shape to capture the voluptuousness of the rose petal. The fine jewellery line truly reflects her lifestyle as a contemporary woman. In the two opulently casual fine jewellery collections – Petales de Rose and Petales Entrelaces motifs, openwork petal forms are outlined or paved in diamonds and echoed in soft pink gold, clustered together or interlaced to represent and celebrate the loving union between a couple, the mysterious, magical intimacy bonding a man and a woman.

The same drop-cut pink sapphire highlights the Montblanc writing instruments of the collection. With scattered diamonds, the pen clip and cap top were designed to mirror the curvaceous V-shaped neckline of a black velvet dress worn by the Princess in a celebrated photograph; one of Prince Albert II’s favourites of his beautiful mother. Quality and detailing – the hallmarks of the world-famous Montblanc pen are taken to a new level in this tribute series, featuring champagne coloured gold fittings, rubies cut in rhombus shapes taken from the Grimaldi coat-of-arms, and an 18 carat gold nib with a heart-shaped opening.

The all-encompassing collection of superlative timepieces, ranging from scintillating one-of-a-kind high jewellery watches to the everyday chic of stainless steel with diamonds, pays homage to the nobility of Princess Grace. The refined timepieces feature brilliant cut diamonds, pink sapphires and lustrous mother of pearl dials. Each piece is a ravishing masterpiece, bringing together the art of the watchmaker and jeweller together in a sublime harmony to forever personify the innate elegance of Princess Grace….well there is now another reason for the women of Dubai to make a beeline for Montblanc.

Carlo Giordanetti is super passionate about the designs inspired by Princess Grace

With Joe from Montblanc

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.