< Previous40 C EO M I D D L E E A S T AP R I L 202 1 hen I was casually dropping into conversation that amongst my various weekend plans, I was test-driving a Lamborghini, I tempered it by fi nishing with the line “it’s the SUV” – admittedly said with a slight tinge of disappointment, with the implication that the Urus possessed less of the ‘wow factor’ of some of Lamborghinis the Aventador or Huracán. Let me make one thing crystal clear, there is nothing “only” about the Lamborghini Urus. And anyway, it’s not an SUV, it’s an SSUV, and boy does that ‘super’ at the start count for everything. W $200,000 The starting price of the Lamborghini Urus SUPERCAR SUPERSTAR DOES THE LAMBORGHINI URUS SUCCESSFULLY BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN UNABASHED PETROLHEAD ADRENALINE AND FAMILY VEHICLE? WEEKEND BOY RACER GAVIN GIBBON, SENSIBLE DURING THE WEEK AND WILD AT WEEKENDS, GETS BEHIND THE WHEEL TO FIND OUT The vehicle has something for everyone. There’s the comfort of the fi ne leather upholstery, with the contrast of the seamless ability to venture off-road, as a trip to Wadi Showka in Ras Al Khaimah proved; there’s the latest technology without the need to have a degree in space science to operate; and there’s that striking ability of being able to shift from a family car fi t to turn heads on the school run, to the roar of a supercar and the ease of acceleration at just the tickle of your big toe. The name Urus is derived from the world of bulls, but the Lamborghini Urus is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Don’t be fooled into thinking that its four-by-four nature stops it from possessing that special ingredient that only supercars have – slip the Urus into Sport or Corsa mode and listen to the guttural crack of the exhaust; or simply start PLEASURE | LAMBORGHINI URUS A P R I L 2 0 2 1 C EO M I D D L E E A S T 41 it up and awaken the neighbours to the fact that you, yes you, are driving a Lamborghini. The Urus features a 4.0 litre V8 twin-turbo engine delivering 650 hp (478 kW) at 6,000 rpm, maximum 6,800 rpm, and 850 Nm of maximum torque already at 2,250 rpm. That may sound like a lot of numbers just, but it’s those numbers that make the sound. Nor should anyone be lulled into thinking that it’s just another fl ash, fast car. With ample space for up to fi ve occupants and room in the boot for a few sets of golf clubs or, alternatively, a sizeable shopping trip to Spinneys, the car is ideal for the family – albeit a family that can afford its $200,000 price tag. Inside, the Urus is as clearly a Lamborghini as it is from outside, with a sporty yet luxurious design and fi nish and Italian style and craftsmanship resonating throughout. Paolo Sartori, Automobili Lamborghini’s regional head for the Middle East and Africa, says of this latest launch: “Urus is a car that when you see from outside you maybe have a different feeling. Some people think, it’s a big car, maybe it’s heavy, is it really a supercar? But when you drive it, 100 percent and it’s not just because we have our script to say such things. You will defi nitely have the same feeling in a very transparent way when you drive the Urus, especially if you drive on a race track. It’s incredible – the car is a supercar.” It may have been launched over two years ago, but the Urus is experiencing mounting popularity across the region, with 20 new colours available, new technology and an increased personalisation proposition. This is absolutely the SUV of choice, and a super one at that. “SIMPLY START IT UP AND AWAKEN THE NEIGHBOURS TO THE FACT THAT YOU, YES YOU, ARE DRIVING A LAMBORGHINI” Strong as a bull The Urus features a 4.0 litre V8 twin-turbo engine delivering 650 hp (478 kW) at 6,000 rpm42 C EO M I D D L E E A S T AP R I L 202 1 ne of the questions that’s often asked about A. Lange & Söhne watches is why they are so… expensive. It’s a perfectly fair question to wonder about timepieces whose elegance can seem understated and somewhat discreet to the uneducated eye. The discretion is of course part of the allure of a watch manufacture whose ethos is the kind of quiet confi dence that comes with knowing you’re one of the best, and so therefore feeling absolutely no inclination to make a song and dance about it. You won’t fi nd outlandish colours, experimental materials or anything as untoward as a gimmick on a Lange & Söhne. These are watches made not just for connoisseurs and O FOUNDED AT THE CLOSE OF THE 19TH CENTURY AND THEN DORMANT UNTIL 1989, A. LANGE & SÖHNE IS ONE OF THE MOST RESPECTED AND PRIZED BRANDS BY THOSE WHO TRULY KNOW AND UNDERSTAND WATCHES. TO WEAR ONE ON YOUR WRIST IS TO CONVEY A CERTAIN KIND OF QUIET SOPHISTICATION. CEO GOES BEHIND THE CLOSED DOORS OF THE PLACE WHERE THE WORLD’S FINEST TIMEPIECES ARE MADE AND ASSEMBLED BY HAND A TRIP THROUGH HISTORY WATCHES By JOLA CHUDY history, yet with a surprisingly modern second chapter. To circle back to the question about what justifi es the considerable price-tag, there’s really no better substitute for understanding the answer than a visit to the place where the watches are designed and made. This is Glashütte, a small town in Saxony, Germany and the centre of German watchmaking since 1845 when Ferdinand Adolph Lange established his watchmaking business there. Lange sharpened his technical skills and entrepreneurial vision, becoming convinced that there was huge potential to offer a counterpoint to the more established Swiss watchmaking collectors, but for men and women whose success in life has afforded them the kind of assured confi dence that fi nds a natural affi nity for objects of unimpeachable quality and good taste. The fl awless character of each A. Lange & Söhne watch is expressed through myriad aspects — some visible to the eye and some discernible through the other senses such as touch and, in the case of its minute repeaters and striking watches, through sound. In every case, however, they are the results of a painstaking attention to detail that is lavished upon each watch by human hands. They express the values of a watchmaking company that is steeped in A P R I L 2 0 2 1 C EO M I D D L E E A S T 43 A. Lange & Söhne’s goal is to engineer timepieces that represent the pinnacle of watchmaking artistry building of the Lange family, acquired in 2001, is a beautiful historical building connected via a bridge, to a gleaming modern section, a 5,400-square metre, light-fi lled contemporary block offi cially inaugurated by German Chancellor Angela Merkel in 2015. Around 800 are employed by the company around the world, uniting their formidable talents in the production of six distinct product families: the Lange 1 family has, over the years, been joined by Richard Lange, 1815, Zeitwerk, Saxonia and most recently by the Odysseus – the company’s elegant answer to the upscale, everyday sportier category that has dominated much of modern watchmaking in recent years, and launched to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the A. Lange & Söhne rebirth. A. Lange & Söhne’s dedication to fi nishing and decoration is self-evident. There are more than nine distinct departments, each one specialising in a particular aspect of decoration or fi nishing. Many skills take years to master. A. Lange & Söhne can rightly consider itself a custodian of rare artistic handicrafts for its employment of artisans and craftspeople. Several kinds of polishing techniques may be applied to parts of a Lange timepiece – even the parts that will never be seen are lavished with attention to detail. It can take up to several days to polish one part. This kind of level of devotion is why just a few thousand watches are produced annually by A. Lange & Söhne – it simply isn’t possible to rush the pursuit of perfection and things take the time that they require to be completed. When Walter Lange entreated his colleagues to ‘Never stand still’ he may have been referring in part to retaining a driven approach to the future, but it is clear he also intended it to express an unending commitment to pursuing excellence. industry. He made countless improvements and innovations during in his career and many of these have left their legacy in contemporary watchmaking as a whole, as well as in the design and mechanical vocabulary of Lange watches themselves. The business fl ourished until the Second World War, when the company’s main production facility was bombed – ironically on the very last night of the war. Soviet occupation followed and A. Lange & Söhne effectively lay dormant until 1989. That year, the Berlin Wall came down, and with it, a 65-year-old man made the fi rst tentative steps to reviving a forgotten family business. “At that stage, we didn’t have much,” said Walter Lange, the great grandson of Ferdinand Lange. “We didn’t have any watches we could build and sell, we didn’t have any employees, any premises or any machinery. We only had the vision of the best watches in the world that we wanted to build in Glashütte all over again.” The fi ttingly named Lange 1 was launched in 1994. Its outsized date (inspired by a Semper Opera clock designed by his great-grandfather) and asymmetric dial design (inspired by old pocket watches) sent ripples of appreciation through the industry. To today’s eyes, its design is restrained and classical. A statement of intent was established — but the design was just part of it. Although the fi rst series featured a solid caseback, the movement already expressed one of the key pillars of the brand namely a formidable commitment to fi nishing and artistic crafts. The three- quarter plate of German silver was another feature hidden from view — solid caseback versions of this watch were discontinued in 1997, allowing a fuller appreciation of the beautiful movement within. Instant collectors’ pieces, the brand has continued to excel with watches that are both aesthetically exceptional and technically at the pinnacle of mechanical watchmaking. Blued screws are another signature of the company; they are added during the fi nal assembly, their cornfl ower-blue colour achieved through heating them. A Lange & Söhne timepiece will only leave the manufacture where it has been painstakingly put together over months, without a single compromise to quality, following rigorous checks that include the entire movement being assembled and reassembled before it is allowed to leave the manufacture. Teams of watchmakers pore over fi endishly diffi cult watches to put together, and it can take months to build one. For those that appreciate fi ne watchmaking, a tour around the A. Lange & Söhne manufacture represents a real treat — a deep dive into some of the most rarefi ed aspects of watchmaking. The former residence and manufacture WATCHES44 C EO M I D D L E E A S T AP R I L 202 1 double-height art installation of medusa-like coiling glass surrounded by technicolour murals of aquatic marine life, soaring pillars bedecked with ferocious sea creatures and miles of gleaming colourful mosaics and tiles. And that’s just the lobby. Atlantis, The Palm Dubai is one of the emirate’s most popular tourist resorts, enticing visitors in with its portfolio of award-winning restaurants, the largest waterpark in the world, dolphin and shark experiences and fantasy-themed experiences. This summer, with many residents eager for a holiday at home, it’s also been revealing its abundant charms as A THE OCEANIC-THEMED FANTASY KINGDOM OF ATLANTIS, THE PALM IS FULL OF AQUATIC ADVENTURES FROM IMMERSIVE ENCOUNTERS WITH SEA CREATURES TO LAVISH DINING EXPERIENCES AND THRILLING WATERPARK ESCAPADES SOMEWHERE, BEYOND THE SEA PLEASURE | ATLANTIS, THE PALM A P R I L 2 0 2 1 C EO M I D D L E E A S T 45 Water fun Room rates with offers start from AED922 per night during September A staycation at Atlantis with the family must include a day spent at Aquaventure, which features the longest waterpark ride in the region, a 1.6-km Rapids ride that propels riders through a series of slides, rapids and waterfalls. The waterpark caters for all levels of adrenaline junkie however, with toddlers able to dive into a children’s water playground featuring smaller slides, while brave souls can take a Leap of Faith or fall through a trapdoor at Poseidon’s Revenge. One of the key tenets of Atlantis is its commitment to marine life and ecology and there is a fi sh hospital on site, where both rescued sea animals and resident fi sh are nursed back to health. The Back of House Fish Tales tour raises awareness of environmental issues and safeguarding the oceans for future generations. There are myriad ways to get up close and personal with sea animals, including encounters with dolphins, underwater tours of the huge Ambassador Lagoon and tours of the Lost Chambers where visitors can gain insights into the lives of jellyfi sh, rays and more. Of course, once all the edutainment is dispensed with, there’s ample time to simply kick back and enjoy the resort and one of its outstanding features are the 28 restaurants including outlets by celebrity chefs Nobu Matsuhisa, Giorgio Locatelli and Gordon Ramsay. The sheer scale of the resort is refl ected in the quantities of food served: Ronda Locatelli serves more than 100 kg of pasta each week alone and the resort welcomes 4.4 million diners every year. One of the resort’s hidden gems, White, serves up an array of light, fl avour- packed Med-style dishes that would be at home in any award-winning restaurant yet feel as relaxed as a beach restaurant; overlooking the stretch of pristine private beach and lagood-style swimming pools, it’s the perfect spot from which to appreciate the high-end vacay vibe that didn’t even need a passport stamp. Atlantis.com a terrifi c place to escape to for the day, the weekend or even longer – a reminder that some of the most memorable destinations in the world are right here on our doorstep (feeling smug yet?). Thanks to its sheer scale, it’s unlikely you’ll run out of adventures either: its 1,548 beautifully appointed rooms and suites spread over a footprint equivalent to 64 football pitches make it one of the largest resorts in the region, and it’s even been a summer home to world-renowned artist Sacha Jafri, who commandeered the main ballroom to create the world’s largest canvas which will be auctioned for charity later this year.46 C EO M I D D L E E A S T AP R I L 202 1 ometimes, exactly what you’re looking for is right in front of you; you just need to see it. If you’re a resident of Dubai, the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, with its wave- shaped edifi ce, may have blended gracefully into your subconscious – a tourist landmark perhaps not on your usual radar. Change that up, stat. With a jaw-dropping refurbishment that has given this iconic property a resplendent contemporary style, JBH offers an abundance of delightful touch points, experiences and interactions all designed to send everyone in the family home with the kind of satisfi ed glow that comes from a seriously well choreographed, service-focussed property. One of the best things about the property is that every room is guaranteed a sea view; and really, with a vista over the waterpark, S FOR TIME-PRESSED EXECUTIVES LOOKING FOR THE COMPLETE PACKAGE, JUMEIRAH BEACH HOTEL OFFERS THE FULL SUITE OF EXPERIENCES: GREAT RESTAURANTS, LUXURIOUS ACCOMMODATION AND ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY. THIS LOCAL GEM IS WELL WORTH A REVISIT THE SUITE LIFE PLEASURE | JUMEIRAH BEACH HOTEL A P R I L 2 0 2 1 C EO M I D D L E E A S T 47 Burj Al Arab and twinkling city lights, the outdoor private terrace balconies gift you one of the fi nest cityscapes in Dubai. Decorated in a tasteful theme of restful blues and natural sand hues, the rooms and suites are generously proportioned with plenty of space for little ones to expend their endless energy. Whilst your smallest family members may be unaware of the fi ner points of top-tier customer service, they will be beguiled and charmed in abundance by one of the most beautiful kids’ club spaces in the region. A bright, blue space reminiscent of the ocean fl oor, complete with life-sized toy submarine, blue whale and aquatic murals, the area welcomes little ones to explore, learn, create and play. The family pool adjoining it boasts a mini splash playground and slide – which whets the appetite perfectly for Wild Wadi right next door. JBH can guests get day passes to this popular attraction, where hours of waterslides and rides await. Back at the hotel, and the Dhow and Anchor’s gastropub-style menu is the perfect way to satisfy the kind of hunger that seems to get magnifi ed by spending time outside and in and out of water. Fantastic fi sh and chips, crowd-pleasing burgers, moreish ribs and sophisticated fi sh dishes refl ect the fi ve-star ethos of the property. There’s a well-considered kids’ menu of course and the relaxed vibe lends itself equally to unwinding adults and accommodating excitable littlies. The food and dining options at the hotel are impressive. La Parilla offers Latin American favorites and there are several bars for every kind of sundowner vibe. The hotel is home to destination spa Talise that boasts cutting-edge wellness options – a tactical drop-off at the J Club to leave you divested of children for a few blissful hours of ‘me time’ may well be the cherry on the cake at this exquisite, exceptional property – and what a reassuringly relaxed way to wave goodbye kids, hello relaxation. jumeirah.com The award-winning five-star hotel has all the right ingredients for a well deserved family holidayBELUGA BUSINESS LUNCH MENU BAGATELLE AROUND THE WORLD A REFINED DINING EXPERIENCE GET READY FOR AN AROUND-THE-WORLD-ON-A-PLATE TASTE JOURNEY he recently relaunched Beluga Restaurant and Lounge has introduced a three-course business lunch menu at AED 185 per person, perfect for mid-week business meetings or lunch with colleagues. The lunch features Beluga’s signature Seafood Pasta, prepared with freshly- made pasta with tiger prawns in white sauce, and the chef’s special Bresaola & Burrata Pizza with white sauce, beef bresaola, parmesan, and burrata. To end the meal, Crème Brulée, made with mango espuma is available for those with a sweet craving. The restaurant’s stylish interior is a great spot for a business meeting or a breakaway from the offi ce to catch up with colleagues. mandarinoriental.com o travel plans? No problem. Gastronomic favourite Bagatelle is taking an international tour through the locations in which its restaurants are based, with each city taking over for a month. From Dubai to London to Saint-Tropez, New York and Rio de Janeiro, expect to be transported from coast to coast with menus inspired by these glamorous locations. The around- the-world-on-a-plate taste journey commenced with London and runs through April, with dishes such as grilled lamb, fi sh, rhubarb and ginger tart and a British cheeses plate. And in perfect pairing, Bagatelle mixologists have prepared London-esque tipples known as Milk Punch — three different original cocktail recipes based on milk, spirits, spices and juices, made using the fi nest T International treat Bagatelle is taking an international tour through globally-inspired rotating menus English tea selection in town. The experience starts from AED300 per person and is every Wednesday night. reservation@bistrotbagatelledubai.com N 48 C EO M I D D L E E A S T AP R I L 202 1 LEISURE | VENUESsado is one of those hidden gems that is worth a revisit, not least for its enviable outdoor terrace that affords diners an uninterrupted chance to gaze at the Burj Khalifa light show and Dubai Fountains. I don’t know about you, but I’m still not really tired of seeing either and I’ve lived here over a decade. When you’ve got a client in town, or anyone really, that you want to make a good impression on, the choice of setting for your evening meal may end up saying more about you than you had bargained for. Thankfully at Asado, those fi rst impressions are likely to all be positive, thanks to the quaint, charming atmosphere that evokes the warm welcome of a South American country farmhouse – one that comes with those all-important vistas over the world’s tallest building, of course. Nestled in amongst the nouvelle-Arabian low-rises of the Old Town Island, adjacent to the Dubai Mall and just right in the very centre of Downtown, the location has always been without reproach and so offers the prerequisite ‘good postcode’ credentials so essential to underscoring your suitability as a business partner or maybe more. Inside the restaurant, a parilla open grill is a focal point, with skewers of meat cooked slowly over open coals, however on our visit, CEO secured a table on the terrace and was soon being attended to by an effi cient, friendly team of waiters who proffered bread plates and menus to our small dining party. We start off with a crowd-pleasing Tabla de Frituras Del Mar, a Patagonian-inspired dish of fried seafood – crabs, shrimps and calamari with a mustard mayo dip. Charcoal- grilled tacos, asado empanadas and grilled provolone cheese are amongst the menu highlights and yes, this is a restaurant to which you should emphatically arrive in a state of high hunger. Dubai landmark Dining at Asado comes with an uninterrupted view of the Burj Khalifa light show and Dubai Fountains For mains, the tenderloin ‘lomo’ steak offers an insight into the meat-searing savvy of this great South American nation and – liberally doused with fragrant, garlicky ChimiChurri – it is beautifully accompanied by proper steakhouse sides such as truffl ed mushrooms, chunky fries and grilled asparagus spears. Meat is the order of the day and the restaurant’s signature dish is the Parillada Argentina; a mixed grill comprising baby goat, baby chicken, lamb chops, sirloin, ribeye, tenderloin, sweetbread and chorizo. If that seems like an awful lot of meat it is — so bring hungry dining partners if you plan to order it. Then, as your food settles and the fountains start up again, your attention can turn swiftly and pleasantly to getting that signature, that handshake and that agreement – there may even be room for dessert to bring a sweeter end to your evening and your blossoming business relationship. addresshotels.com A GUESTS AT ASADO WILL NOT ONLY ENJOY SPECTACULAR VIEWS OF THE BURJ KHALIFA, BUT ARE IN FOR DELECTABLE SOUTH AMERICAN FLAVOURS SET IN A QUAINT, CHARMING ATMOSPHERE DOWNTOWN DINING CLIENT DINNER | LEISURE A P R I L 2 0 2 1 C EO M I D D L E E A S T 49Next >