< Previous10 HOT 1OO 2O19 | THE CREATIVES My highlight this year was growing the show concept that empowers women and reflects different facets of their life behind the scenes. I’m inspired by strong, independent women who achieve their goals and stand up for themselves. It also inspires me to influence young women to achieve their dreams and positively impact their lives with my show. For 2020, I want to be a trusted influencer in the social media world, influencing every woman that follows me to become a better version of herself. I’m also excited to turn my body care recipes into products that are accessible to everyone. I use natural, organic products for my skin care and make-up and I encourage those around me to do so as well. They are effective and less harmful to the environment. The UAE is a place where 200 nationalities from all over the world can freely aspire to be whatever they want to be, while living in harmony. It also gives me the opportunity to live a secure, happy life and seek growth every day. Recycling should be a natural part of everyone’s life. I would like to see more enforcement of sustainability and participation from companies, governments and individuals. LAYLA AKIL The TV presenter and co- host of Expensive Tastes is all about living naturally 11 THE CREATIVES | HOT 1OO 2O19 WALEED SHAH The photographer behind the Rock Your Ugly campaign The most prominent project this year was a very personal one called Rock Your Ugly. It’s a series of portraits accompanied by stories of individuals that explores the intersection between physical and mental health. Through this initiative I’ve had the privilege to cross paths with a number of brave souls explaining depression, eating disorders, breast cancer, alopecia and vitiligo to name a few. I’ve stopped buying water in plastic bottles and I now carry my own water bottle around everywhere. I’m also looking at electric car options to switch out my gas guzzler. SLEIMAN DAYAA Artistic photographer @slimi7 sees the world from a different perspective Highlights for the year include working on covers with big celebrities and names, such as Anitta, J Balvin, Offset and Top Models. Fossil fuels need to be quickly replaced with cleaner, renewable energy like wind and solar power. Governments and companies need to further invest in low carbon transport solutions. We need to stop destroying forests for intensive agriculture such as cattle farming and palm oil plantations, allowing trees to regrow and plant hundreds of millions more. We need to create ocean sanctuaries that will provide protected areas in which sea life can flourish, away from the threats of industrial fishing, helping to restore the oceans’ natural balance. HOT 1OO 2O19 | THE CREATIVES 12 As I was born in the Abu Dhabi Corniche hospital, and spent my childhood here, the UAE has always been my second home. Then I returned with my wife, Zoë, ten years ago and set up Nomad out of our living room and saw the company grow into what it has become today – the UAE has also given us so much as a family. Whether its friends, opportunities, experiences or the lifestyle; we’ve been extremely fortunate. We recycle in our house and my kids love the ‘use and reuse’ ethos. We have created video content in the past to create more awareness, but when I look at the younger generation I must admit I feel a little ashamed that our generation has not done more. After watching the documentary, Changemakers, I am trying a plant-based diet for now. A highlight this year was completing the third season of Fighting Fit Dubai . As always, it was hard going for everyone; contestants, coaches and crew alike. However, seeing the positive changes in the contestants, both mentally and physically is always so rewarding. Away from work, finding out Zoë was pregnant for a third time was pretty awesome too! Hard workers, weirdos, geeks, passionate people and those that achieve things despite others saying they have no right to do it, inspire me. I also like walking. Good things come from a proper walk; wherever you are. PHIL GRIFFITHS The co-founder of Nomad Productions directed the first UAE-based reality show on ESPN, Fighting Fit Dubai 13 THE CREATIVES | HOT 1OO 2O19 In September 2018, we opened the doors to the Gulf’s first arthouse cinema and have welcomed over 30,000 spectators to a myriad of film programmes, series and exclusive premieres of independent arthouse cinema. Our international and regional participation has been a major highlight of 2019, including my participation as a jury member at the Sarajevo Film Festival in Bosnia, the Malmo Arab Film Festival in Sweden, and a speaker at the Carthage Film Festival in Tunisia. Our mission at Cinema Akil is to bring forward important issues of our time through the language of film and the medium of cinema. We are committed, in our programming to raise awareness around climate change as one of the key matters we are taking on. Above and beyond the specific programmes, our entire ethos as a non- commercial cinema platform, is to challenge hyper- consumerism and lead a conscious existence. We hope to contribute to the fundamental battle against climate change through engaging hearts and minds. It’s the spirit of diversity in experience, stories, perspectives, histories and outlooks that makes the UAE the unique place that it is. I am inspired by complexity. The surprising condition of contrast and the spaces in between – of how values, positions and spaces can coexist at the same time in people and their conditions. Of harshness and tenderness, of darkness and optimism, of the ugly and the beautiful. BUTHEINA KAZIM The co-founder of Cinema Akil, an independent cinema platform in Dubai14 HOT 1OO 2O19 | THE CREATIVES HOLLAPHONIC Greg Stainer and Olly Wood are the Dubai-based EDM duo that gets people dancing We’ve been lucky to make music around the world over the past 12 months so it’s definitely been a highlight working with Thai, Japanese, Korean and American artists. The music has done really well, as well. The UAE is the country in which we met our wives, started our families, and of course, as Hollaphonic, found each other! What’s not to love about all that? Sustainability is a question of money as always. The masses need to speak out with their wallets, because as soon as they spend in a sustainable direction, the dial shifts and attention will shift away from industries that pollute. KHALIFA NASSER The soulful Emirati singer going viral I am an Emirati and this is my homeland. This country provide us with so many benefits. No matter what we do, we will never be able to return the favour. Every day we experience the benefits the UAE has brought to its people and residents. This year I’ve appeared in many different events and shows, such as the Expo2020 one year countdown, the Louvre museum and working on projects with other artistes. We all should contribute to addressing climate change. A couple of steps that I have taken include using the right recycle bins, switching off my car at every stop I make, buying another electric car to be used inside the city instead of my patrol car that is used mostly for highways and long rides. Dubai welcomes the first-ever Paramount property in the region B ringing the best of Hollywood’s indulgent glamour to the UAE, Paramount Hotel Dubai has finally opened its doors, and we were fortunate to get a sneak peek of this exciting new addition to Dubai’s world-class hospitality scene. Bringing timeless Hollywood movies to life, the hotel’s concept has been developed by Paramount Pictures and embodies the laidback, yet elegant, Californian lifestyle. Located in Business Bay, Paramount Hotel Dubai brings together exquisite design, elevated service, stellar entertainment and premium dining, which is bound to set a very high standard indeed in luxury hospitality. As you’d expect, the hotel celebrates creativity and the Hollywood spirit. It houses 823 rooms and suites grouped into Scene and Stage guest rooms; Premiere and Paramount suites; and themed suites inspired by classic Paramount Pictures movies. In fact, all 69 floors of the hotel showcase exclusive never seen before, behind-the scenes photography from their iconic movies. Amazing! We all know movie stars expect only the best when it comes to dining. And the Paramount Hotel is a true blockbuster that features eight experiential restaurant concepts that promise an unparalleled culinary experience under the direction of culinary producer, Ezquiel Cardozo. Paying tribute to the old- school magic of motion pictures, stand-up comedy, theatre productions and performing arts is The Paramount Screening Room. A private cinema, time capsule and a stage for live entertainment acts with a side of light gourmet bites and bubbles; which features regular screenings and cinematic events. Best of all, the Paramount Screening Rooms aim to support, recognise and celebrate the local film industry, as well as its young and independent filmmakers. Bravo! Of course, the hotel also features exciting elements such as immersive video walls in the lobby, Pause Spa and a fitness centre, state-of-the-art meetings and events facilities, as well as their signature co- working Work/Play suites. With so much movie magic right here in the UAE, there’s practically no point in visiting the real Hollywood anymore. Lights, camera, ACTION! Paramount Hotel Dubai welcomesthhefifirsttttt-ever rolls out the red carpet Promotion 15 HOT 1OO 2O19 | THE CREATIVES 16 I launched my own nail collection with Sosu in Ireland, hosted two podcast series with BBC, I presented a Scottish BAFTA and I was on Celebrity Catchphrase for charity. Finally, coming back to Dubai to see all my friends and family still feels like coming home. I spent eight years of my adult life here in the UAE, so in a sense it’s where I grew up. I moved here when I was 21. I’ve met lifelong friends and I understand and respect the culture here. The best advice I’ve been given is to just to stick with the friends you had before you got famous. I knew that anyway. I hate the word ‘famous’. Life is about people and relationships. I’ve got no time for users; been there done that. Success inspires me. My end goal is to create and provide for my family and to do so I need to work hard. I love working and keeping busy; I always have. I feel the government should lower the price of vegan foods to encourage more people to eat vegan. Healthier foods are always more expensive, which doesn’t help. Recycle, recycle, and recycle! I just switched to green energy at home. I don’t have a car; I enjoy people watching on the trains, and they’re much better for the environment too. In 2020, I’m excited to do even more television work, spend more time in Dubai, and hopefully buy my first property. LAURA ANDERSON From Emirates cabin crew to Love Island reality star, @lauraanderson1x continues to make us proud 17 THE CREATIVES | HOT 1OO 2O19 JADE & NUGGET The Dance FM duo that gets us grooving in the morning J: A 2019 highlight for me was flying to Belgium for Tomorrowland, interviewing some of the world’s biggest DJs and broadcasting live for 978 Dance. J:I use reusable bottles and shopping bags and make sure the airconditioning is off when I leave home. Recycling needs to be more of a priority. I also think more people should car pool. N: I moved to Dubai quite recently and this year’s biggest highlight is having Indian food for the first time! N:I’d like more public transport and tech developments that rely on clean energy. BILL BRAGIN The first executive artistic director of The Arts Center at New York University Abu Dhabi Celebrating the fifth anniversary of The Arts Center was a real highlight this year. When I look back at what we’ve been able to accomplish – presenting over 300 performances by artists (including 21 commissioned or co-commissioned works) representing 50 nationalities to more than 75,000 people, I’m especially moved by what our small team has accomplished. Since my main vehicle to relate to the world is through amplifying the work of artists, I’ve made a point to present pieces which raise awareness and open conversations about climate change. On a small level, we also supply reusable Arts Center water bottles to all visiting artists.18 HOT 1OO 2O19 | THE CREATIVES SUMI COSPLAY The pro cosplayer and cosplay judge Since I moved to the UAE 10 years ago, it has become my home; the UAE gave me the chance to follow my dreams. I’d like large corporates to stop polluting the oceans and to reduce deforestation. People should recycle items and stop using disposable plastic bags. I would also like to see more animal wildlife areas. I want to see people stop abandoning their pets, stop abusing animals, and try harder to save the plant. I look forward to growing my business and inspiring more people through the art of cosplay. SAUD AL HAZZANI Meet @vegacosplay – Saudi Arabia’s first professional cosplayer Competing in the world cosplay summit in Japan as a representative of my country was very memorable. The best advice I’ve got is to smile as much as I can, regardless of the situation. I feel I don’t do enough for the planet and definitely need to do more. In every stage of my life I have looked up to lots of different people, but I realised the only consistent person I look up to is my mother. She is always the beacon that makes me want to keep trying to better myself. 19 THE CREATIVES | HOT 1OO 2O19 This year was special when it comes to work as I finished a very successful season three of my show on YouTube, Expensive Tastes, which reached over 200k subscribers, and collaborated with big brands such as Tag Heuer and Hugo Boss and many more. UAE is my first home and I grew up in this beautiful country and learned so much from being here. My career wouldn’t have been possible if not for the opportunities I got here. I look up to the people who I share the same type of life story with and people who started from nothing and made it. I passed on many good opportunities back in the day because I was so young and fun came before work. The biggest lesson I learned is that fun can always be had but good opportunities are rare. I make an effort to recycle as well as use less plastic. I’m looking forward to a new page in my life in 2020 – new projects that I’m working on will be out and hopefully it will be a highlight to talk about at the end of 2020. I’m also looking forward to Expo2020 as we have waited a long time to be a part of it. OMAR BORKAN @omarborkan is not just a handsome face – he’s also a YouTube superstar with millions of followersNext >