< Previous40 C EO M I D D L E E A S T MAR C H 2 0 21 n 2019, Marzena was ap- pointed as the Managing Di- rector for Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices in the Middle East, following her three-year stint as Man- aging Director for Johnson & Johnson’s Medical Devices’ $250m business in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). Marzena has been with Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices since 2013. She has previously managed the Com- pany’s DePuySynthes (Orthopedics) and Ethicon (Surgery) franchises in Po- land and Baltics. Prior to joining Johnson & John- son, Marzena led Pfizer country organ- izations in Croatia and Bosnia-Her- zegovina and, earlier, Market Access & Government Affairs team and CV/ Respiratory Business Unit in Poland. Before joining the corporate sector, Marzena worked for several years in the World Bank on projects related to healthcare systems and reforms in Po- land, Baltics and Balkans. n her high-profile state role, this prominent Secretary- General in a ministerial rank flies the flag for gender balance in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Al-Ansari holds various high-level positions, such as the Head of Media Affairs in the Office of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabee- ka Bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, the wife of the King of Bahrain. Prior to her roles in the state as a Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Women, she held positions at BATELCO (Bahrain Telecommu- nications Company), but it is with her work for women’s advancement and gender balance that she has contrib- uted a lasting legacy to the Kingdom. She continues to monitor the im- plementation of the National Plan for the Advancement of Bahraini Women and the National Gender Balance Model, where numerous mechanisms have been introduced and adopted by the state. MANAGING DIRECTOR, JOHNSON & JOHNSON MIDDLE EAST -MEDICAL DEVICES H.E SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE SUPREME COUNCIL FOR WOMEN HEALTHCARE MINISTERS, RULERS AND GOVERNMENT LEADERS Marzena Kulis Hala Mohamed Jaber Al Ansari II r Afridi founded The Light- house Arabia in 2011, a com- munity mental health and wellness clinic providing psychological and psychiatric care. Graduating with her masters and doctorate degree in clinical psychol- ogy from Arizona School of Profes- sional Psychology, Dr Afridi presently specialises in men’s mental health, corporate wellbeing, parenting and child mental health and authentic happiness. She works solely with top performers in senior positions, such as MDs, GMs, and C-suite executives, to provide transformational counsel- ling which allows her clients to go from good to great. Currently sitting on the Dubai American Academy school lo- cal advisory board and on the advisory board for Carter Foundation, Dr Afridi has also worked with prominent com- panies and ministries such as The Ex- ecutive Council and the National Pro- gram for Happiness and Well-being. FOUNDER, LIGHTHOUSE ARABIA HEALTHCARE Dr Saliha Afridi DM A R C H 2 0 2 1 C EO M I D D L E E A S T 41 lisha Moopen is the deputy managing director of Aster DM Healthcare, managing the com- pany’s operations in India and the GCC. Having joined the company as a Director in 2013, she is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction and development of the company, and notably spearhead- ing the expansion of the group into new markets. Aster DM Healthcare is one of the largest integrated healthcare con- glomerate with a presence across seven countries. With 34 years of strong track record of providing compassionate care to patients, Aster provides the complete circle of care through its primary, sec- ondary, tertiary and quaternary care services, and its network of 26 hospi- tals, 115 clinics and 225 pharmacies (366 Establishments). The organisation cur- rently employs more than 21,250 people, of which 2900+ are doctors and 6200+ are nursing staff. Moopen was elected by World Eco- nomic Forum as a Young Global Leader to join the class of 2018. Recognising her past work in healthcare, she has been inducted into a 5-year programme with like-minded people who are committed and passionate to tackle the main chal- lenges of the world today, with health- care being one of them. She has also been appointed to the Board of YPO’s Dubai Chapter, a global leadership or- ganisation that brings together over 27,000 chief executives from over 130 countries. She is the Mentoring Chair for 2019-20. She is regularly recognised as one of the top leaders in her industry by regional and international media. She is a Chartered Accountant from the ICAS (Institute of Chartered Ac- countants of Scotland) and worked ear- lier with Ernst & Young. She graduated from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor with distinction in Finance & Ac- counting. Moopen’s philosophy in life is ‘Healthiness is Happiness’. She wants to enable quality healthcare across the globe through treating people with com- passion, precision and excellence. She is dedicated to the cause of women empow- erment and mental health. She believes in the diversity of workforce, strength in differences and focused on improving the glass ceilings at work for women. “WE FEEL HONOURED TO HAVE RECEIVED AN OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE THE COMMUNITIES WE ARE IN. THIS INSPIRES AND MOTIVATES US TO KEEP DOING MORE.” DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR, ASTER DM HEALTHCARE HEALTHCARE Alisha Moopen A Industry leader Alisha Moopen is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction and development of the company42 C EO M I D D L E E A S T MAR C H 2 0 21 PLEASURE DOORSTEP DESTINATIONS FOR PASSPORT-FREE ESCAPES STYLE WATCHES TRAVEL ACCESSORIES or many of us, international travel plans have been put on hold, but weekend escapes and staycations in local resorts offer a compelling alternative to the four walls of our homes; a chance to savour leisure time and the much-under- valued experience of a change of scene. With the past year merging into an inde- terminable series of weeks and months punctuated by Zoom calls, staying home and social distancing, many of us are experiencing a collective urge to actively seek out moments of joy and to once again immerse ourselves in the feeling of STAYCATIONS ARE SET TO BE A TRAVEL TREND IN 2021, AND WITH MORE OF US MAKING THE MOST OF WHAT’S ON OUR DOORSTEP, CEO MIDDLE EAST TAKES A TRIP TO NIKKI BEACH RESORT & SPA DUBAI, WHERE LIFE IS TO BE CELEBRATED F LIFE’S A BEACH engaging fully in what life has to offer. No doubt, that following a year when our horizons seemed to shrink somewhat, the idea of creating one’s own adventures on seemingly familiar ground can feel like a bit of an effort, but at Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai, the hotel staff are on hand to make sure that effort is one thing that’s taken care of as your ease into a laid-back enclave of cool blues and whites, where quality touch- points come with a barefoot luxe vibe. Although the concept of luxury beach clubs is not new today, Nikki Beach was M A R C H 2 0 2 1 C EO M I D D L E E A S T 43 “LIFE HERE IS ALL ABOUT PRESSING THAT ALL-IMPORTANT RESET BUTTON ON THE DAILY ROUTINE OF OUR LIVES.” Colours. The Nikki Beach Resort & Spa décor is minimalist, with an abundance of white space, neutral hues and peaceful blues. Sea breeze Guests are bound to enjoy the Arabian Gulf’s blue waters and the stunning panoramic views of the property. a trailblazer when it opened in 1998, bringing a tastefully curated concept of music, dining, entertainment, culture and hospitality into one. Step through the sweeping glass doors of the Dubai property and into one of the most relaxed stretches of coastline in the region, with the five-star resort- style property adjoining a lively and stylish beach club. Checking in for a few days of escap- ism, guests can enjoy generously sized rooms and suites; at 117 in total, the property retains a feeling of being quite intimate while affording guests a sense of privacy. Each guest accommodation features ambient mood lighting, large, luxurious bathrooms and terraces with sweeping views over the Arabian coast- line along Pearl Jumeira. The décor is minimalist, with an abundance of white, space and accents of neutral hues and blue, just the sort of restful palate that instantly serves to soothe even the most frazzled of spirits. Smoothly checked in and whisked off to unpack, it’s time to submit one’s senses to this restful, chic enclave. A selection of four restaurants and lounges offers variety during your stay, whether you want the occasion of a tailored dinner on the beach, the casual chic of the lobby bar, or Café Nikki. The café – which also hosts a Friday seaside lunch – is set right on the beach and its menu features fresh, colourful, healthy and vibrant, with a focus on seafood. Music, which has been carefully curated to offer guests a relaxing ambient back- ground, pulses pleasantly in the back- ground, competing only with the sound of the Arabian Sea meeting the pristine shore. Cabanas are laid out facing the water’s edge, the moody blue and grey of the sea offset by the cool azure tiles of the swimming pool. Along the beach, Nikki Beach Dubai features international cuisine for its guests that come to take advantage of the most stylish poolside surroundings in the city. Life here is all about pressing that all-important reset button on the daily routine of our lives, segueing into a an alternative pace of life for a few moments and remembering what’s important, while letting go of the rest. Dubai.nikkibeach.comHAVE YOU GOT WHAT IT TAKES TO TAKE ON AN ENDURANCE CHALLENGE? FOR THE REGION’S MOST DRIVEN MEN AND WOMEN WHO HAVE THE CORNER OFFICE AND THE BIG TITLE, THE IDEA OF ‘DOING NOTHING’ DURING THEIR FREE TIME DOESN’T ALWAYS APPEAL. INSTEAD, YOU’LL FIND TYPE-A PERSONALITIES TAKING UP A NEW SKILL, HOBBY OR SPORT. ENDURANCE EXPERT JOAO ARTECHE, FRESH FROM A ONE-OF-A-KIND ULTRA- TRIATHLON, TELLS CEO MIDDLE EAST WHY MORE MEN AND WOMEN ARE TURNING TO EXTREME ATHLETICS AS THE ULTIMATE WAY TO EXPRESS THEIR APPETITE FOR MAKING THE MOST OUT OF LIFE BY JOLA CHUDY The hardest parts of my ultra-triathlon was at the very start, during the early-morning swim, when we had thick fog and the kayaker couldn’t see the way. At that time a million worries came into my head. We were losing time and things weren’t going as planned. But I forced myself to control my mind to think that I would finish that swim no matter what. The second moment was around 40km “ into the run on day three, I started to feel weak and extremely tired. The other runners were looking good. I had to switch my brain off, adjust my nutrition and hydration, and after sometime I started to feel okay again,” says Joao Arteche of his recent limit-defying ultra-endurance challenge. It’s somewhat encouraging to us mere mortals to know that even the head coach at endurance-expert fitness group BR Performance, and arguably one of the best multi-discipline sportsmen and triathlete experts in the region, has his wobbles. Arteche undertook more than 10 hours of constant physical activity each day for three days between February 17 and 19, 2021 in aid of the UAE Man Challenge, the brainchild of Arteche and his business partner Tommaso Cartacci. The UAE Man Challenge involved swim- ming 34km, the equivalent of the UK Channel, followed immediately the next day by cycling 8,849 metres up Jebel Jais, the equivalent elevation of Mount Everest, and then finally running 100km of tough mountain trail on day three. The Brazilian national, who has lived in the UAE for 12 years, completed each activity in ‘adventure emirate’ Ras Al Khaimah, with a two-fold purpose at the heart of his mission: to raise money for local sports charity, Heroes of Hope, while shining a spotlight on the many benefits that sports brings to partici- pants, and the many opportunities to practice it in the UAE. Anyone who has experienced the sweet taste of victory from overcoming a challenge, be it in the boardroom, at home or in the final kilometres of a race, will understand – at least a little bit – what drives otherwise seemingly ordi- nary men and women to push themselves to the limits of their physical endurance. And the benefits go far beyond the feel- good rush of endorphins at achieving success, says Arteche. “Training yourself to be disciplined in an endurance sport is a powerhouse move for almost every other aspect of your life. People benefit from sports in terms of health and strength. People become more active and productive,” says the 40-year old head coach and trainer. “The other aspect is the physiological benefit, where we see people becoming more confident, happier, resilient and motivated to find new challenges. Sport also increases their feeling of being part of a community.” While even a short stroll has been 44 C EO M I D D L E E A S T MAR C H 2 0 21 LEISURE | SPORTshown to have measurable health ben- efits, the leap to performance-focussed activities is usually best approached with the help of a specialised coach. “People still don’t understand the difference between fitness and per- formance, it is a completely different approach. Fitness is a general approach that does not require a specific train- ing schedule or significant changes in lifestyle. Sports performance requires a more specific approach. Unfortunately I see some athletes developing their fitness and expecting performance to naturally follow, or worse, coaches trying to develop performance and push clients who are not ready.” Adamant that proper coaching should be sustainable, measurable and encompass a long-term view, Arteche trains some of the region’s best athletes to podium places, as well as encourag- ing beginners to join BR Performance’s inclusive group classes or private sessions. The company has earned a reputation for being a regional leader in performance-based coaching and has two locations, in DIFC and Al Quoz. “What I think it is really important is to actively encourage a passion for sport, the ability to follow a training pro- gramme, and the capability of an athlete to keep moving despite the feeling of it being challenging. We train our clients to understand that during their various races or personal challenges, they will not always feel perfect all the way, and will have to continue despite this feeling. A skill like this, practiced over and over, has immeasurable benefits that go far beyond the gym or race environment.” He cites increased ability to focus, self-control over one’s mind, and swift problem solving as some of the skills that are honed through endurance training. There is of course the virtue of humility: someone is always going to be better than you, and success is never linear. Athletes need to accept losing with as much grace as winning. For men and women who thrive on pushing themselves and who hunger for new challenges, the idea of undertaking a sporting challenge labelled by others as ‘impossible’ or ‘crazy’ often seems irresistible, and while amateur athletics should, above all, be enjoyable for its participants, Arteche is serious about the benefits. “I do believe that every executive, leader or CEO can benefit from sports and training as part of their personal leadership development. I have seen the change in many of our clients. Busy executives who can devote no more than 15 hours a week have seen the benefits, they become new athletes, and then they become new managers.” brperformancestudios.com Pushing beyond limits. Redefining what is ‘possible’ is part of the endurance mind-set. Test of endurance The UAE Man Challenge involved swimming 34km, cycling the elevation equivalent of Mount Everest and running 100km. “TRAINING YOURSELF TO BE DISCIPLINED IN AN ENDURANCE SPORT IS A POWERHOUSE MOVE FOR ALMOST EVERY OTHER ASPECT OF YOUR LIFE.” M A R C H 2 0 2 1 C EO M I D D L E E A S T 45COVER STORY | MONTHER DARWISH 46 C EO M I D D L E E A S T M A R C H 2 0 2 1 PERFUME, THE KEEPER OF OUR MEMORIES OF ALL OUR SENSES, OUR SENSE OF SMELL IS MOST CLOSELY TIED TO OUR MEMORY. WHILE MANY THINGS THROUGHOUT OUR DAY CAN TRIGGER A SENSE OF NOSTALGIA, NOTHING HAS THE POWER TO MAKE US VISCERALLY RELIVE THE PAST LIKE A FRAGRANCE he power of perfume can be whittled down to how the hu- man body processes smell. Humans can distinguish anywhere between 5,000 and 10,000 scents, which send messages to the limbic system – the seat of emotion, and where memories are formed. The noses behind some of the world’s most famous scents are often well-travelled, whether it’s to source the finest ingredients or to gain inspiration. Whether I’m strolling through a laven- der field in Grasse, or in the countryside after a summer rainfall, there is inspira- tion everywhere. I like to produce short, snappy formulas that you can read, like a quote. When I create a perfume, I want it to be round with clear, seductive top notes and at the same time, an immedi- ately discernible base. Finding the perfect harmony between the materials and the accords creates this olfactory music,” says Creative Director of Parfums de Marly Julien Sprecher. “I also love working with orange blossom, as not only is it a reas- suring scent – brings back memories of my childhood, but it is also one of those rare ingredients that can be combined with others and is often used when creat- T PLEASURE | FRAGRANCES Passion Julien Sprecher, Creative Director of Parfums de MarlyM A R C H 2 0 2 1 C EO M I D D L E E A S T 47 ing modern and elegant fragrances, such as Safanad from our women’s collection,” explains Sprecher. Memory also plays a part in why perfume is such big business. The Global Fragrance and Market Report (2021) projects that the global fragrance and perfume market is estimated to grow at the rate of 6.2 percent during the forecast period, as consumers are purchasing more perfume and fragrance products to maintain personal style and individuality. Furthermore, the Middle East and Africa will account for 30 percent. The region has a historic love for fragrance, espe- cially for scents that are rich and bold – think musk, jasmine, rose, saffron and, of course, oud. However, it’s not just any perfume. “We want our customers to ex- perience not only the evocative olfactory qualities of the scents but also their emo- tional dimension. We want to create an overall experience that reflects surprising associations,” explains Sprecher. With the limbic system so receptive, smells can take you back to an exact location. The scent of honeysuckle on a hot day, the smell of gasoline on concrete, the scent of someone important to you — they’re scents that become entwined into specific moments in time. Spraying on perfume is meant to enrich your own daily life and command more of a place in the lives of others. With scent, we are taking up space in the most ravenous way we know how: in someone’s per- sonal space, in their car, in elevators, in their home, in their memory, places we can never escape. Every fragrance is a practice in living larger than our physical presence already commands, by touching upon with every single sense — to experi- ence and be experienced through as many multi-sensory facets as you can imagine. So next time you buy perfume, remember you are creating memories not just for yourself but for those around you, and these could indeed last a lifetime. “THE REGION HAS A HISTORIC LOVE FOR FRAGRANCE, ESPECIALLY FOR SCENTS THAT ARE RICH AND BOLD — THINK MUSK, JASMINE, ROSE, SAFFRON AND, OF COURSE, OUD” Floral-oriental creation Delina Exclusif from Parfums de Marly opens with the freshness of a fruity bergamot-pear-lychee trio Bewitching fragrance Athalia boasts an opulent and highly feminine floral-woody-musky olfactory signatureFANCY A BEACHSIDE SPOT? THE HIDDEN HOG LUCKY FISH ON WEST BEACH, PALM JUMEIRAH, IS DUBAI’S LATEST BEACHSIDE VENUE A CONTEMPORARY BISTRO BAR SERVING TRADITIONAL EUROPEAN CUISINE OPENS ITS DOORS IN THE HEART OF DUBAI’S FINANCIAL DISTRICT ith its location on the beachfront, Lucky Fish’s interiors refl ect beach-chic tranquillity, with ample outdoor seating on the terrace making it a great spot to enjoy being by the ocean. The menu is inspired by the fl avours of the ocean and the Mediterranean. Working with local fi sherman, Lucky Fish presents daily fresh seafood and menu highlights include seafood platters, black angus carpaccio, Beluga caviar, carabinero risotto and homemade spaghetti. luckyfi shdubai.com earty, satisfying dishes aren’t always top of the list when it comes to current culinary trends, but there’s something about proper comfort food that never goes out of style. The perfect antidote to life in the fast lane, the Hidden Hog invites its diners to slow down and savour a meal that cocks a snook at carb-counting, macros or diet culture. And quite rightly so. We start with a perfectly fl uffy ‘white pizza’, in other words, bread infused with rosemary and salt mopping up pools of green olive oil and chasing it down with a proper charcuterie board. There’s no messing around, and with risottos and pastas on the menu for the second course before tucking into the hearty ribs and chops for the fi nal third course, it is highly advised to come to the Hidden Hog absolutely ravenous. The menu has been created by Italian W Seafood surprise Lucky Fish is an effortlessly chic Mediterranean restaurant set along the beach Interiors The Hidden Hog is the first and only venue in DIFC to receive a license to serve non-halal fare Chef Enrico Paiola and is the fi rst and only venue in DIFC to receive a license to serve non-halal fare. The menu includes highlights such as slow cooked real ribs lathered in smoky BBQ sauce, Parma croquettes, sous vide beef cheeks and more. For busy worker bees, the restaurant also offers a two-course business lunch for just AED79, while weekends bring a L’Aperitivo sharing menu, perfect for whiling away a lazy, languid weekend afternoon. “Dubai’s dining scene is one of the most dynamic in the world, always pushing the boundaries and brimming with creativity. The Hidden Hog is no exception and being able to offer something unique in DIFC is extremely exciting,” says Luca Gagliardi, F&B Director. “We’ve curated a menu designed to deliver a culinary experience like no other in the area.” thehiddenhog.com H 48 C EO M I D D L E E A S T MAR C H 2 0 21 LEISURE | VENUESou don’t need a passport to immerse yourself in another culture thanks to the rainforest- themed atmosphere at Amazonico. Step through the restaurant’s doors and dive straight into the heart of the Amazon, recreated for adventurous diners with a taste for far-fl ung fl avour. Nestled amidst the abundant foliage, elegant tables are set out beneath a canopy of green leaves and trailing fl ora. You’d almost expect a small monkey to come scampering across the crisp linen but instead, the sommelier and waiter arrive and take your order. Part of the same group that owns Zuma, Nusr Et and Coya, its culinary credentials are impressive and the cuisine, which takes Latin America as its inspiration, offers something new to entrance even the most well-travelled palates. The beetroot and Andean root salad, with purple corn, mascarpone and chili dressing, along with a sweet mango and avocado salad delivers the required infusion of vivid colour and fresh fl avour to the table. There’s a fantastic selection of raw seafood and ‘Japazonico’ style sashimi, maki and nigiri bites – Latin-American food does owe a debt to the cuisine of Toyko and here it’s reinterpreted with Latin fl air courtesy of coconut, cacao nibs, coriander and plantains. Main courses offer more from the sea, with a black hake accompanied by mole sauce and roasted eggplant a dish that is PART OF THE SAME GROUP THAT OWNS ZUMA, NUSR ET AND COYA , ITS CULINARY CREDENTIALS ARE IMPRESSIVE. Nature Amazonico offers an adventure for the senses courtesy of tropical decor and Latin American inspired dishes satisfyingly unusual enough to be an instant conversation-starter (as well as being absolutely delicious). Mole is a chocolate- based south American condiment whose exact recipe and fl avour balance inspires fi erce debate – CEO is happy to accept the Amazonico version as the defi nitive pending a trip to South America. Steak obviously plays a big role in the cuisine of this continent, which Wagyu, tenderloin and rib served up cooked to order with traditional steakhouse accompaniments alongside Peruvian potato, yucca, and of course the ever popular corn. CEO fi nishes with a decadent chocolate fondant and pistachio ice-cream, alongside a moreish baklava with passion fruit cream. It’s a pleasure rather than a challenge to fi nd room for this as the ingredients over the course of the evening haven’t been too heavy. Perhaps next time we will order more; it seems almost unadventurous not to. Amazonicorestaurant.com. For reservations contact +971 4 571 3999 Y LATIN AMERICAN AMBIENCE AND TROPICAL JUNGLE VIBES MAKE AMAZONICO A VIBRANT, DYNAMIC SPOT IN WHICH TO SWAP URBAN JUNGLE FOR THE TROPICAL KIND AND WOW YOUR DINING PARTNER DINE ON THE WILD SIDE M A R C H 2 0 2 1 C EO M I D D L E E A S T 49Next >