< Previous40 C EO M I D D L E E A S T OCTO BER 202 1 FINANCE will prove to be most instructive: Buying: Portmone is a payment service in the Ukraine that wanted consumers to feel more comfortable with cashless transactions. Together we came up with a solution at Visa’s Innovation Centre in Dubai that builds trust by making the payment process more user-friendly. It works like this: A customer orders three pairs of shoes. Funds are temporarily blocked on his Visa account (like when you check into a ho- tel). When the shoes are delivered, the customer decides whether to accept all or some. After he confirms delivery of the desired shoes, his phone receives a link that he follows to confirm receipt, or a QR code that the courier scans. At that point the payment is made. The buyer immediately sees the total cost of the shoes including delivery. In our pilot project, this safe- delivery system increased the volume of cashless sales for all merchants who took part – in one case lifting volume by 86 percent. Selling: Paga is a mobile money wallet in Nigeria where the solution focussed on merchants more than con- “82 PERCENT OF SMALL MERCHANTS TOLD VISA THAT THEY FEEL OPTIMISTIC ABOUT THE FUTURE OF THEIR BUSINESS” Transaction. Visa believes that the transformation towards cashless payments will last well beyond the pandemicOCTO BER 202 1 CEO MIDDLE E A ST 41 FINANCE Living: Digital transformation is not just about sales, but about the entire business. Last year Visa part- nered with the region’s first super app, Careem, to allow drivers to have imme- diate access to their earnings by pulling funds from their Careem account to their Visa cards. As cash usage fell across the CEMEA region during the pandemic, it became harder for some workers to get quick access to their earnings. And so digital solutions such as this one were embraced. At Visa, we believe the unprec- edented transformation towards cash- less payments will last well beyond the pandemic. It is not a case of customers wanting something that merchants are not feasibly able to provide, or of merchants trying to foist something on reluctant customers; this is a case where all parties, responding to the same powerful phenomenon, are pointing in the same direction. Perhaps this is why, even though change can be scary, 82 percent of small merchants told Visa that they feel optimistic about the future of their business. Because this time, it’s happening for everyone. “ENTERTAINMENT VENUES ARE REOPENING IN MANY COUNTRIES, BUT CASH IS NOT ON THE GUESTLIST” sumers. When we spoke to merchants across the country in late 2020, they said the cost and complexity of digital payment scared them; they were com- fortable with their cash register. The solution – with Samsung as a third partner in the process – was to provide the merchants with cellphones that came loaded with a sales app with a very-simple user interface. The merchants paid for the phone on an instalment plan that they could cover with a slice of their sales. The app also comes with a variety of value-added services, from digital payroll to inventory management, that will allow small merchants to effectively grow their business. Moving: Prior to the pandemic, we have always worked closely with Etihad Guest to find new ways for their mem- bers to earn and spend Etihad Guest Miles on their everyday transactions. During the pandemic, given travel was at a near standstill, airlines wanted to maintain their connection with members. For Etihad Guest, this meant developing an innovative app which provides Etihad Guest members with an instantaneous and rewarding shop- ping experience. So, we at Visa helped the airline launch the Etihad Guest app, through which – in a regional first – their members can register their Etihad Guest Visa cards to the Etihad Guest app and use the card to earn miles or pay for goods using miles, wherever Visa is accepted in the UAE. Within less than a year, the app has been recognised by the Stevie Awards as the best ‘Innovation and general utility app’ of 2021. Kim Hardaker, Head of Etihad Loyalty and Partnership said: “In 2020 Visa supported us with the develop- ment of our ‘Miles on the Go’ platform, that allows our members to earn and redeem miles on the go with our part- ners such as Aldar, Miral and Farfetch. com. Following the launch members have earned over 22 million miles and have redeemed over 18 million miles. The results exceeded our expectations which tells us it’s something members were looking for.” Grooving: Let’s go global for this category. Entertainment venues are reopening in many countries, but cash is not on the guestlist. At the Super Bowl in Florida this February, Visa and the National Football League ensured that all payments inside the stadium were cashless. Fans arriving with cash were presented with the possibility of converting their paper currency to a prepaid Visa card at dedicated ATMs, at no additional cost. Technology. Digital transformation is not just about sales, but about the entire businessTIME | ROLEX 42 C EO M I D D L E E A S T OCTO BER 202 1 ollowing on from its black ce- ramic, Hublot has launched its Big Bang Integral in three new ceramic colours: white, navy blue and grey, all with built-in scratch-resistance, durability and hypoallergenic properties. Its monobloc architecture – an integrated bracelet on which the first link is fused with the case – affirms Hublot’s integral single-colour, single-material style. A signature material at Hublot, ceramic represents the perfect fusion of hardness and lightness (two to three times harder than steel and 30 percent lighter). A high-tech material that is difficult to machine, used here to create a case, bezel, case-back and bracelet. An unparalleled material in perfect harmony with the skin – soft to the touch and a delight to wear thanks to its low thermal conductivity. A watch made entirely from ceramic except for the bezel lugs, which are in black, dark blue or grey composite, and the rubber elements on the crown and the pushers, for added user comfort. The Big Bang Integral can be distin- guished from the other Big Bang models by its fully integrated bracelet, which is fused with the 42mm case. Launched in 2020, this represents a historic first for the 15-year-old Big Bang. Its aesthetic signature is powerful enough for it to be instantly associated with that of the Big Bang. Three links: one central and two lateral, the polished and satin-finished surfaces, and the bevelling and chamfer- ing of the links create the same effect of depth and contrast as between the case and the bezel lug. Other stylistic retouches include the pushers, which mirror those found on the 2005 original, and whose bevels and chamfers lead into the bracelet with alternating polished and satin finishes. The model is powered by the Unico proprietary manufacture movement in its V2 incarnation, the HUB1280, a modi- fied version of its predecessor, the Unico HUB1242. So, immaculate white, classic navy blue or a grey as deep as titanium itself? The choice is yours. THE ALL-CERAMIC LOOK: HUBLOT’S BIG BANG INTEGRAL Hublot has launched its Big Bang Integral in three new ceramic colours: white, navy blue and grey, all with built-in scratch-resistance, durability and hypoallergenic properties BY CEO MIDDLE EAST STAFF LEISURE | TIMEPIECES F TIMEPIECES OCTO BER 202 1 CEO MIDDLE E A ST 43 Louis Erard: Fuel of positive energy Once again, Louis Erard is going off the beaten track by combining contemporary design and high-end watchmaking exper- tise in fine stone and artisanal glass dials, geological time and mechanical precision, the visible signs of luxury and accessible fine watchmaking. Three variations, each in a limited edition of 99 pieces. The Franches-Montagnes watchmak- ers have chosen the Maison’s historic model, Le Régulateur, to carve a new family of watches from the raw material of stones and mineral glass. The Excel- lence Régulateur Aventurine, Excellence Régulateur Lapis-Lazuli, and Excellence Régulateur Malachite. Three models. Three colours. Three moods. Each of the three editions is limited to 99 pieces, but every watch is a unique piece in itself: each dial bears the mark of the millions of years that have shaped the stones or a unique array of speckled filaments. The pure design brings these fragments of Earth back up to the 21st Century. A collision of time. Strength in contrast. Precise motions. Aesthetic fusion. Cutting stones and glass to meet the finesse of a dial requires expertise in fine watchmaking. The challenge is twofold, since the dial has two levels and the material is cut to reveal the regulator’s snailed opaline dual counter. The hours are displayed at Excellence Louis Erard meets the challenge of fine watchmaking with art and style Special treatment Oris’s partnership with the iconic Swiss Air-Rescue Rega continues with a third limited-edition watch the top, the seconds at the bottom, and the large signature fir tree minute hand is in the centre. Discreet glossy silver indexes further showcase the technicality of the regulator. The Excellence Régulateur Aven- turine is the night owl in this inaugural series. The aventurine stands out with sparkling inclusions. It takes its name from the Italian “aventura” meaning adventure or chance and was first created by Venetian glass-blowers in the 17th Century. Prized for its celestial allure, aventurine holds a special place in the world of luxury, as fascinating as a me- teor shower on a moonless night. Ultra reliable Oris Rega, one of Switzerland’s proudest and most trusted organisations, was founded in 1952. It’s now patronised by almost half the Swiss population, and is among the world’s most recognisable air rescue services, symbolised by its iconic red helicopters and crew members in their red uniforms. Oris is extremely proud to partner with Rega and to have worked with its teams to produce 21 limited-edition watches, each a series of 100 pieces car- rying a case back engraved with one of the service’s 21 aircraft. So the watchmaker built Rega the Big Crown ProPilot Rega Fleet L.E. Its black dial has high-contrast white hands and numerals filled with high-grade Super- LumiNova. Its stainless steel case and Oris-patented ‘Lift’ clasp are coated in anti-reflective gunmetal grey PVD. It has a clearly indicated second time zone. And engraved into its bi-directional rotat- ing bezel are a red triangle for timing the “golden hour” (the first hour after injury during which a patient’s chances of recovery are highest), and a pulsometer scale, read off with a whitetipped central seconds hand. Oris also created a water- resistant red Ventile pouch, complete with a second quick-change strap in hygienic, easy-clean red rubber and a tool for changing the clasp. 44 C EO M I D D L E E A S T OCTO BER 202 1 STYLE FASHION TRENDS AND TIMELESS ESSENTIALS No matter the fi eld you work in, there are certain hacks that can be implemented to dress in a way that makes you feel more powerful, confi dent and really brings strength to your day ith summer over, most of us are returning to the offi ce, some of us for the fi rst time since the onset of the pandemic. Power dressing is ultimately about empowerment and confi dence, and fashion is an incredible tool that brings those features out. No matter the fi eld you work in, there are certain hacks that can be implemented to dress in a way that makes you feel more powerful, confi dent and really brings strength to your day. Essentially is it about discovering what suites you and makes you feel confi dent. Once that’s nailed, follow your style and it simplifi es everything. It’s important to wear W looks that will make you feel ready to take on the day and handle the unexpected, all while feeling confi dent in whatever task you tackle. It doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, there is an art in simplicity of power dressing and the message it conveys. Once considered the epitome of power dressing, BY HEIDI SHARA, FOUNDER OF DUBAI-BASED STYLING PLATFORM WEAR.THATOCTO BER 202 1 CEO MIDDLE E A ST 45 STYLE Looks. Power dressing is about empowerment and confidence, and fashion is a tool that brings those features out a well-tailored black suit paired with a crisp, white shirt has always exuded an air of strength for both men and women and while this is still defi nitely a powerful look, the 2021 edit for power dressing brings in strong colours, fun prints, and classic cuts with a twist. To simplify the matter, I’ve broken down modern-day power dressing into three fi erce, female personas, with a lowdown on essential pieces to purchase. The classic femme fatale Nothing beats a pantsuit when it comes to power dressing with greys, blacks and whites your most classic and go-to looks. To elevate a suite, focus on styles that are slightly trend-focussed or offer a unique twist. This could mean taking a simple, tailored black blazer and replacing it with a more sophisticated double breasted jacket. Sharp cuts is another element to be considered – they make powerful statement. Bold shoulders, sharp silhouettes on blazers and strong pleat detailing are an incredibly stylish twist to take the classic black suite up a notch. Introducing a bold, on-trend colour in the form of a chic blazer into your work wardrobe is another alternative to enhancing your suit look. This would help you stay up to date of current seasonal trends, allowing you to feel cool, trendy and most importantly, confi dent. And if you don’t like wearing suits, I’d suggest pairing a chic, pleated midi skirt with a structured belted blazer for an understated, always classic aesthetic. Accessories are key deal breakers, so use them, but tread carefully. When you have a fabulous classic suit, use a simple selection that best refl ects your personal style. I’d suggest statement earrings, rings or a pop of colour on the heel to help you add a personal touch to a classic suit. Essential investment pieces A suit with a modern silhouette. Think strong shoulders, double breasted blazers and wide leg, high waisted trousers. A crisp, classic white shirt – whether it is a classic shirt or a white shirt with a twist, quality shows so make sure to invest in a good piece. Gold accents: Nothing screams power dressing like pops of gold, whether it be your handbag, the heel of your shoes, your belt or earrings. A pop of gold against a black suit always exudes glamour and power. Black heels. Following on from the suit, go for shoes that are modern. I’d always suggest a classic patent pointed pump and again, make sure to invest in a quality pair. The more feminine businesswoman Power dressing doesn’t have to mean including only black, grey and white hues into your work wardrobe. Think pinks, greens and blues to showcase a modern appeal to a traditional look. For the more fashion-daring women out there, I’d suggest adding a micro-prints on your blazer or even full suit to showcase your personality and style. Reign it in with a classic white shirt, chic gold jewellery and accessories to create a look that is fresh yet still professional. Essential investment pieces A well-cut blazer that expresses your personal style. If you love fl owers go for a feminine, fl oral blazer and pair it with classic trousers. Or if for example, green is your go-to colour, opt for a fl attering, beautifully tailored green suit that suits your body shape. These personal touches will elevate not only your look but also your confi dence. The modern casual working woman Power dressing isn’t only for the board room. There are ways to dress powerfully and help fuel your confi dence, in any working environment. If you predominantly wear jeans to work, invest in high-quality, well-cut dark jeans. Pair them with a classic, tailored white shirt, add a chic black blazer and on-trend sneakers and viola. You’ve just created the ultimate laid-back, power outfi t. 46 C EO M I D D L E E A S T OCTO BER 202 1 CAR REVIEW have nothing in common with Formula One legend Sir Lewis Hamilton. He has, after all, received a knighthood; but he’s also better looking than me, he has diamond earrings, he’s won seven more World Champion- ships than me and his bank balance has a lot more numbers than mine. But for one weekend, and sadly what will probably be one weekend only, we were both McLaren drivers. Admittedly, while he was driving at breakneck speeds around Monza, ulti- mately crashing out to bitter rival Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen; I was slightly more conservative as I weaved my way at no great pace down Dubai’s Hessa Street. The McLaren GT doesn’t belong in the nose-to-tail traffi c of Hessa Street. It’s akin to caging a roaring lion. That lion belongs out in the open, where nature intended it to be, and so too does this awesome supercar – all it takes is 3.2 seconds (the time it takes to get from zero to 100kph) to discover this. Described in the specifi cation template as being “elegant, beautiful and lighter than any competitor, the McLaren GT is tailor- made for epic journeys in modern luxury”; this was certainly put to the test with trips to Hatta, followed by Umm Al Quwain. It, was, as the name suggests, a Grand Tourer. The proximity to the tarmac while sat in the heated, electrically-adjustable driver’s seat is at fi rst a strange feeling, but you soon fi nd out that this merely adds to the allure of the car, as you take your place, Hamilton-esque, behind the steering wheel. But for all its raw power and accelera- tion, it really is a comfortable drive, with driver engagement running through its bespoke, sleek, carbon fi bre structure. The new McLaren 4.0 litre twin-turbo- charged V8 delivers 620PS and 630Nm of torque. Combine these fi gures with a weight of just 1,530kg, and performance is, GRAND TOURER FOR ALL ITS RAW POWER AND ACCELERATION , THE MCLAREN GT REALLY IS A COMFORTABLE DRIVE, WITH DRIVER ENGAGEMENT RUNNING THROUGH ITS BESPOKE, SLEEK, CARBON FIBRE STRUCTURE By GAVIN GIBBON IOCTO BER 202 1 CEO MIDDLE E A ST 47 CAR REVIEW quite simply, stunning. The iconic dihedral doors, which open up and out, make valeting almost a necessity, but at AED875,000, would you really be using the shopping mall car park? That’s not to say that the McLaren GT isn’t practical. With the engine situated behind the driver and passenger seats, that frees up room at the front and back for a generous amount of luggage space – 570 litres to be exact – where a respect- able-sized weekly shop can be placed in the frunk, while the back can accommo- date a full-sized golf bag or two sets of 185cm skis. It also boasts a cutting edge infotain- ment system which, unlike some of its peers, does not require a university degree to operate – the simple tablet that can operate everything from the AC through to the music and the ambience of the car, with six colours of subtle lighting shades to choose from. In terms of the interior itself, the soft-grain leather and advanced, durable SuperFabric take their place inside the spacious glass wraparound cabin with a feeling of lightness that only adds to the comfort and overall spectacle. And fi lling it up is also relatively comfortable, with 23.7 miles-to-the-gallon Speed and style. The GT is the first true McLaren Grand Tourer in the McLaren product family The stats: Top speed: 326 km/h 0 – 100 km/h: 3.2 seconds 0 – 200km/h: 9.0 seconds 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged McLaren V8: 620PS and 630Nm of torque Weight: 1,530kg PHO TO S: MCL AREN and a full tank costing around AED120. A word of caution, however, it takes a great deal of practise to perform the perfect entry and exit from the vehicle, with every semblance of etiquette initially removed as you fall in or fall out of the car, manoeuvres that would take slightly longer than a weekend to master. Sadly that was all we had with the McLaren GT. And while Sir Lewis may have jumped from his F1 McLaren into his Mercedes-Benz EQC after his eventful afternoon in Italy, for us it was back to our trusted Opel Mocha and the Hessa Street traffi c.48 CEO MIDDLE EAST OCTOBER 2021 nlike many stiff, high-end spas, Coya revels in luxury while simultaneously offering an approachable warmth. The spa staff were some of the kind- est people I’ve met - the bare minimum was clearly not enough for this cohort. I was offered the perfect balance of sacred solitude and hand and foot service, and never did I find myself without a beverage or snack in hand. Nestled in Park Centre Mirdif, Coya Spa offers a tranquil and intimate environ- ment. Its décor is reminiscent of a near eastern oasis, transporting you to a botan- ical paradise. The venue offers all of your standard spa treatments, however, they also offer a number of unique indulgent experiences. I had the privilege of experi- encing the Ultimate Indulgence Package, which included their traditional Moroc- can Hamman offering. When I walked in the private Hamman room, a woman in traditional Hamman garb led me to the sauna, complete with gleaming tiles and cold towels. Imagine the renowned efficacy of a traditional Moroccan bath paired with the thoroughly individualised and secluded experience of a high-end private spa treat- ment. The treatment included a traditional Moroccan bath, classical Moroccan kese exfoliation, a luxurious hair washing ritual HOSPITALITY | COYA SPA DUBAI BY ANNIE JOY WILLIAMS U REACH A STATE OF NIRVANA AT COYA SPA Relaxing venue offers all of your standard spa treatments including massages, nail services and hair treatmentsOCTO BER 202 1 CEO MIDDLE E A ST 49 COYA SPA DUBAI The Coya Spa Mediheel pedicure was far superior to any I had experienced before. If you’re looking for a new spa that offers an intimate, comfortable, and a hydrating full body mask using natu- ral henna. Days later, my skin still felt softer than ever before. After the Moroccan Hamman treat- ment, I received a 60-minute deep tissue massage. The massage room was dimly lit and the air smelled of rosemary oil, while harp music gently hummed. The massage was targeted at areas I specified upon arrival, and the masseuse made an intentional effort to check in on pressure levels throughout. After I reluctantly left the massage table, I was led to the nail parlour section of the spa to experience Coya’s new Elim Medihand manicure and Elim Mediheel pedicure treatments. As a nail fanatic, I have enjoyed many manicures and pedicures over the years. However, this one was different. The nail specialists’ attention to detail and preci- sion was unmatched. The treatments use medical grade products that restore dry areas. The Mediheel treatment included a callus peel, anti-bacterial soak, enzymatic exfo- liation, detox mask and massage. welcoming environment at an extremely reasonable price, look no further than Coya Spa. And there is no better time to visit the spa, as there are a number of current promotion packages available. Every woman should schedule an appointment at Coya Spa to feel instantly rejuvenated, relaxed and ready to tackle the many responsibilities on their plate. “EVERY WOMAN SHOULD SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO FEEL INSTANTLY REJUVENATED AND RELAXED” Timeless treatment. Coya Spa is a ladies-only setting that covers 5,000 sq ft and caters to your every beauty need Soothing. The feminine details, stylish features and touch of natural elements create a relaxing yet energising oasisNext >