< Previous30 Vol. 25/11, October 2024 Dining 300VoVoVoVol. l.lllll 25/25/5/525/225/211,11,1111,11, OcOcOcOcOcOccOctobtobtobtobtobtobtobtober erer er r r 20220220220220220220220 4444 DiDiDDD nininininiinininnnn nnnnnnngngggggggggggggggggggnggnnggnnnggnnngggggggg Three Cuts lamb ribs ABE_AB Leaders Oct 2024_26-31_Dining Dubai_13402879.indd 3027/09/2024 16:10arabianbusiness.com 31 Dining SMOKED ROOM Dani Garcia’s Smoked Room is a hidden gem within Leña at the St. Regis Gardens. The intimate space is all about fire and finesse, where each course is a tribute to smoke and Japanese technique. Best for: The true gourmet who wants an exclusive dining experience. It’s ideal for those who appreciate the artistry of cooking as much as the flavours. Dishes to try: The otoro sashimi with smoked caviar is an umami explosion. The charcoal-grilled pigeon with maitake mush- rooms stands out, and the burnt pumpkin puree with mandarin sorbet is the perfect sweet finale. Ambiance: A private 14-seater room with an open-fire kitchen sets the scene for an unforgettable dining experience. The smoky aromas and elegant setting make this a feast for the senses. Where: St. Regis Gardens, Palm Jumeirah. RARE Rare is where European flair meets New York cool, all with a sprinkle of Dubai’s unmistakable hospitality. This sleek new steakhouse in the C2 district brings more than just premium cuts – it’s a vibe. Head Chef Ryan Bernardo knows how to impress, with flavours that dance between classic and contemporary. Best for: Steak lovers who enjoy a side of stylish ambiance. Rare is your go-to for an upscale yet relaxed dinner with friends, or a cosy night out with someone special. Dishes to try: The oyster blade with pebre and amarillo chilli is an absolute must. The striploin with wasabi cream and batter crispies is another winner. For start- ers, go for the anchovy toasts with ricotta and salsa verde, or the wagyu beef tartare with crispy potato hash. Ambiance: Rare is spacious yet inti- mate, with a 130-seater dining area, cosy booths, and a tropical outdoor terrace. Think moody art deco meets modern elegance, with a stunning brass-trimmed chandelier to set the scene. It’s the kind of place where you can relax, sip a cocktail at the bar, and let the night unfold. Where: C2 District, City Walk. ABE_AB Leaders Oct 2024_26-31_Dining Dubai_13402879.indd 3127/09/2024 16:1032 AB Leaders — October 2024 Leadership W hen it comes to the titans of industry, it's easy to assume their bookshelves are dominated by dense volumes on business strategy, economic forecasts, and the latest trends in market analysis. However, a closer look reveals that these world-renowned CEOs and business leaders often turn to literature that goes far beyond corporate speak and balance sheets. Their reading habits reflect a deep appreciation for books that inspire personal growth, leadership development, and broader perspectives on life, character, and even the philosophical aspects of time and success. Here we explore the favourite reads of some of the most influential figures in global business today, offering a glimpse into the minds of those who lead with vision and purpose. The books that world- Words by KATE-LYNNE WOLMARANS Because, after all, behind every great leader is a well- stocked bookshelf The CEO: Bill Gates The book: Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City The author: Matthew Desmond Synopsis: In Evicted, Matthew Desmond takes us into the poorest neighbourhoods of Milwaukee to tell the story of eight families on the edge. It’s a gut-wrenching, deeply moving narrative that exposes the stark reality of eviction and its ripple effects on individuals and communities. Desmond argues that eviction isn’t just a symptom of poverty – it’s a cause of it. Why Gates loves it: “Evicted helped me understand one piece of the very complex question of poverty in America. It gave me a better sense of what it’s like to be poor in this country than anything else I have read. It’s beautifully written, thought-provoking, and unforgettable.” Our favourite quote from the book: “We have failed to fully appreciate how deeply housing is implicated in the creation of poverty.” The CEO: Bill Gates ABE_AB Leaders Oct 2024_32-34_Books CEOs love_13399328.indd 3227/09/2024 16:14arabianbusiness.com33 Leadership -renowned CEOs love The CEO: Warren Buffet The book: The Intelligent Investor The author: Benjamin Graham Synopsis: Considered the book of value investing, The Intelligent Investor teaches readers how to develop a disciplined approach to investing. Benjamin Graham’s principles of “value investing – protecting oneself from substantial error and teaching oneself to develop long-term strategies – have made this a must-read for anyone serious about finance. Why Buffet loves it: “By far the best book on investing ever written. It doesn’t require a stratospheric IQ or inside information to invest successfully over a lifetime. What you need is a sound intellectual framework and the emotional discipline to stick to it.” Our favourite quote from the book: “The intelligent investor is a realist who sells to optimists and buys from pessimists.” The CEO: Tim Cook The book: Competing Against Time The author: George Stalk Jr. and Thomas M. Hout Synopsis: Tim Cook, the time-conscious CEO of Apple, swears by this book, which argues that time is the most critical resource in business. Competing Against Time suggests that companies that manage their time well – from product development to delivery – gain a competitive edge in the market. It’s a f ascinating exploration of how time management can lead to unparalleled success. Why Cook loves it: “Time management is the key to success. This book reinforced how crucial it is to streamline operations at every level of a business. It’s something we’ve focused on heavily at Apple, and I believe it’s a key to our innovation.” Our favourite quote from the book: “Time is the equivalent of money, productivity, quality, even innovation.” The CEO: Warren BuffetThe CEO: Tim Cook ABE_AB Leaders Oct 2024_32-34_Books CEOs love_13399328.indd 3327/09/2024 16:1434 AB Leaders — October 2024 Leadership The books that world-renowned CEOs love The CEO: Jeff Bezos The book: The Remains of the Day The author: Kazuo Ishiguro Synopsis: A seemingly unlikely pick for the founder of Amazon, but Bezos appreciates the quiet dignity of this beautifully crafted novel. The Remains of the Day tells the story of Stevens, an English butler who looks back on his life of service with a mixture of pride and regret. It’s a reflection on duty, loss, and the passage of time. Why Bezos loves it: “The Remains of the Day gives me a chance to spend hours living an alternate life, one full of reflections on life and regret. It’s a quiet and beautiful novel that teaches you something new about life every time you read it.” Our favourite quote from the book: “The evening’s the best part of the day. You’ve done your day’s work. Now you can put your feet up and enjoy it.” The CEO: Indra Nooyi The book: The Road to Character The author: David Brooks Synopsis: Former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi turns to David Brooks’ The Road to Character for a deep dive into what it means to live a life of purpose and integrity. Brooks explores the shift from the “résumé virtues” – achievements and skills that lead to external success – to the “eulogy virtues,” which are deeper qualities like kindness, bravery, and honesty. It’s a compelling read about the importance of building character. Why Nooyi loves it: “The Road to Character reminds me that success is measured not just by what we achieve professionally but by the impact we leave on others personally. It emphasises the inner work of leadership, focusing on humility, kindness, and purpose over outward accomplishments.” Our favourite quote from the book: “We don’t live for happiness, we live for holiness.” The CEO: Jeff BezosThe CEO: Indra Nooyi ABE_AB Leaders Oct 2024_32-34_Books CEOs love_13399328.indd 3427/09/2024 16:14the only app you won’t silence this season Install nowNext >