< Previous40 C EO M I D D L E E A S T JUNE 202 1 LUXURY WATCHES LONGING GLANCES IN THE DIRECTION OF YOUR WRIST ARE INEVITABLE WITH THESE NEW TIMEPIECES THAT BOAST A GAZE-ATTRACTING GREEN HUE JAEGER-LECOULTRE REVERSO TRIBUTE SMALL SECONDS Steel case with sunray-brushed lacquer dial PANERAI LUMINOR MARINA ESTEEL Made with proprietary recycled steel. CHOPARD IMPERIALE Diamond-set 18-carat rose gold. PATEK PHILIPPE NAUTILUS 5711/1A Stainless steel with olive sunburst dial. ROLEX DATEJUST 36 Green palm motif, stainless steel. GREEN WITH ENVYJUNE 202 1 CEO MIDDLE E A ST 41 HUBLOT LOVES FOOTBALL “THE WATCH- MAKING IS PURE HUBLOT.” TIME FOR FOOTBALL With one of the biggest events on the football calendar about to kick off (excuse the pun) title watch sponsor Hublot unveils a UEFA Euro 2020 offi cial timepiece, the Hublot Big Band E Connected watch, in a limited series of just 1,000 pieces. ith the event postponed by a year, for the fi rst time, the tournament will take place in 11 cities – the watch bezel sports the colours of the fl ags of the participating nations, a colourful detail on the 42mm black ceramic watch. Its sapphire crystal face allows for touch-screen usability, courtesy of WearOS Google software that has been adapted for Hublot. Alongside event-specifi c functions such as real-time match details, the Big Bang e comes packed with an array of sensors, compatibility with Apple and Android and cutting edge connectivity. The technology is leading edge and the watchmaking is pure Hublot; microblasted and polished black ceramic, black-plated titanium clasp and a satin fi nished titanium caseback make this highly connected wearable emblematically and recognisably Hublot. 200 lucky owners will also receive an exclusive NFT (non-fungible token) containing an excerpt of one of the new podcasts also being launched to coincide with the tournament. “Hublot loves Football and such a wait will only serve to increase our enjoyment,” says CEO, Ricardo Guadalupe. “Launching our new Big Bang e UEFA EURO 2020 watch and our new Hublot Fusion Podcast at the same time enables the whole footballing world to be connected in the lead-up to the much- anticipated UEFA EURO 2020 tournament. We are bringing people together around the noble values of sport, all thanks to the sophistication of our technology.” W 1,000 The number of pieces that will be released of the Hublot Euro watch. Kylian Mbappé. Hublot brand ambassador and French pro footballer. Choose your colours. The straps are interchangeable.42 C EO M I D D L E E A S T JUNE 202 1 effect of guaiac wood and the earthy tones of patchouli, supported by oak moss. I represented the refl ection of sun rays piercing through the branches with natural materials evoking light and the golden colour, such as vanilla, cardamom and ginger or balsams: frankincense, benzoin, labdanum and myrrh.” With Material, perfumer Cécile Zarokian dives deep in the world of vanilla, taking a complex, revealing journey with frankincense, tonka bean, benzoin, musk and patchouli to create a challenging, intriguing scent that represents a pinnacle of complexity and cleverness – it’s a scent for those that truly love to explore perfume. “Material is all about vanilla absolute, one of the most emblematic natural substances used in perfumery. In this fragrance, the star ingredient possesses a dual personality, presenting both a comforting side and a leathery, animalic facet; constantly shifting between innocence and wildness,” says Zarokian. A JOURNEY THROUGH THE SENSES Its fragrances are clever, conceptual and intriguing. Expect an unexpected olfactive adventure every time you take a sniff, with avant-garde, artisanal Amouage, whose perfumers draw on centuries of tradition and daring creativity to elevate the world of fragrance to that of art BY JOLA CHUDY released as a high-concept olfactive duo that pays homage to the ideas of liberation, joyful existence and energetic being. Both perfumes are traditional, woody- spicy-ambery creations, with a natural, rather than synthetic personality, deliberately drawing the senses to consider natural ingredients. “When I created Boundless, I wanted to play with the idea of a ‘golden wood’ and a gateway to a dense jungle where wood essences of all kinds can be perceived,” says perfumer Karine Vinchon-Spehner. “I used the raw aspect of vetiver roots, the smoky FRAGRANCE hen is a fragrance not just a fragrance? When it’s a sensorial, scented story – which is what is behind every elite perfumer-crafted concoction at the Omani-based fragrance company that has conquered high-end perfumery counters from London to New York. From scents inspired by 1970s disco to your last summer holiday, everything about Amouage is designed to engage and uplift the imagination and spirits. Its latest creation is actually an act in two parts – ‘Material’ and ‘Boundless’ are WJUNE 202 1 CEO MIDDLE E A ST 43 Cartier’s beautiful objects Cartier’s fragrance heritage is as richly storied as its history of accessories and style, so it is fi tting that the two are united in this latest chapter of the Parisian luxury maison’s savoir faire. Sophisticated and portable, Les Nécessaires à Parfum Cartier introduces 30 ml glass refi lls that are held inside a newly designed case that stays in place thanks to a magnetic mechanism. Four cases are presented, each with a distinctive design; an enamelled version with blue dot pattern, gold or silver engraved textures and a green lacquered mashrabiya pattern. FRAGRANCE PERFUME NOTES From high-end Parfums de Marly to captivating Penhaligon’s, we present some of the most alluring scents of the month... THE INIMITABLE MR PENHALIGON BY PENHALIGON’S Top notes of bergamot and jasmine, heart of vetiver, incense, cedar wood, base of sandalwood, ambrox. BERGAMOTTO DI CALABRIA LA SPUGNATURA BY ACQUA DI PARMA Top heart and heart notes of bergamot with mandarin, grapefruit and orange accents. PASSAGE D’ENFER BY L’ARTISAN PARFUMEUR Incense, white musk and lilies. GREENLEY BY PARFUMS DE MARLY Top notes of Sicilian bergamot, mandarin, green apple, cashmere wood. Heart of cedarwood, petitgrain, violet, pomarose. Base of oakmoss, musk, amberwood accord. FRAGRANCE e 44 C EO M I D D L E E A S T JUNE 202 1 SUMMER STYLE OVERSIZED SUNGLASSES JIMMY CHOO SAFARI-STYLE SUMMER HAT BRUNELLO CUCINELLI CASUAL T TEAMED WITH STATEMENT BELT AND SKIRT ETRO SMILE TOP STELLA MCCARTNEY FLORAL PRINT SUMMER DRESS STELLA MCCARTNEY FLOWER POWER MEETS SPORTY CHIC DOLCE & GABBANA SNEAKER STELLA MCCARTNEY 1970S-INSPIRED PLATFORM SHOE STELLA MCCARTNEY SUMMER IN THE CITY VINTAGE-STYLE POPS AND LIGHT-HEARTED TOUCHES INFUSE SUMMER COLLECTIONS, A SARTORIAL NOD TO ADVENTUREJUNE 202 1 CEO MIDDLE E A ST 45 HOME DECOR MAKE YOUR HOUSE A HOME Beauty comes via elegance and simplicity with Brunello Cucinelli’s home collection t is said that you can tell a lot about somebody by looking at their car – not the make they drive so much, but the state in which it is kept, and so the theory can be extrapolated to the décor and ambience of our homes, arguably our most personal spaces. The habitat that is intended to be our sanctuary and refuge is a crucial yet often neglected space, but Brunello Cucinelli’s versatile décor collection lends itself perfectly to most spaces, thanks to its understated beauty and simple, minimalistic design. The creations of the new Spring-Summer 2021 Lifestyle Collection, inspired by the earthy landscape of the medieval village of Matera, serve as an elegant backdrop for everyday life. The colours recall the nuances of nature – from its subtlest tones to the most intense ones – and soft textures are soothing and relaxing. Nature, and its mood-enhancing properties, are celebrated through a collection of items for home and garden, from soft throws, to tableware, decorative elements, candles and even an assortment of gardening accessories, to really reconnect us with our outside spaces. I Understated luxury. The tasteful, earthy collection by Brunello Cucinelli brings a rustic elegance to interior spaces.46 C EO M I D D L E E A S T JUNE 202 1 t has never been more important than now to curate experiences that facilitate an understanding of how the natural world works, and why and how we should help,” says Deborah Calmeyer, CEO and Founder of ultra-luxe Africa travel specialist Roar Africa. “To this end, we have curated an itinerary by work- ing from a place of deep insight and acute understanding of Africa’s many strengths and complexities. We have painstakingly selected destinations and wildlife discover- ies to reveal what must be done to ensure that Africa’s people, nature and animals survive and thrive. And knowing that time is a non-renewable resource, guests will CEO of Roar Africa Deborah Calmeyer appreciate the absolute exclusivity and unparalleled ease of travel.” The inaugural Roar Africa experience part- ners with Emirates Executive Private Jet, and is an extraordinary ‘bucket list’ travel experi- ence. It’s the fi rst time the premier airline has partnered with a travel specialist to curate an epic journey, with an ethos rooted in human- ity, targeting sustainability and conservation. The life-changing itinerary delivers 10 guests in unbridled luxury to four iconic Afri- can destinations that offer the ultimate adventure and encounters with environmen- tal educators and conservation change makers, taking in Zimbabwe’s Victoria, the Okavango Delta in Botswana, Kenya’s Great Migration, and the world’s last wild mountain gorillas in the forests of Rwanda. “This experience sets a new paradigm in ultra-luxe adventure and sustainable travel TRAVEL | ROAR AFRICA “I ULTRA-LUXE TRAVEL WITH A CONSCIENCE Roar Africa is redefi ning ultra-luxury travel with a range of storybook experiences that also support conservation, humanitarian work and economic development in AfricaJUNE 202 1 CEO MIDDLE E A ST 47 TRAVEL | ROAR AFRICA Conscious that the A319 Executive Private Jet creates a signifi cant carbon footprint, Roar Africa will be carbon-neutral with high-quality offsets including installation of 69 solar panels in villages in Rwanda, plant- ing 1,300 trees and access to fresh water for 3,000 people in Kenya, and funding the protection of a rhino calf through Rhinos and is a catalyst for change by facilitating participation and dialogue between informed travelers and local communities. I truly believe this is the greatest and most impact- ful safari experience on earth.” Calmeyer and her team curate a range of storybook experiences, creating a seamless experience from the moment guests step off the plane. The company has long been committed to conservation, humanitarian work, and economic education and develop- ment in Africa. All employees devote time, money and attention to the preservation and support of the people, animals, and environment of their fragile and extraordi- nary homeland. “I believe it is the safest safari on earth, in this post-Covid era. Our 10 guests will be travelling in a bubble by private plane with a fully vaccinated crew and all travellers and camp staff also vaccinated, with seamless PCR testing on hand as we move countries. Guests will be staying at exclusive-use camps throughout the trip, privately taken over solely for Roar Africa,” she adds. Providing the sole means of international transport throughout the journey (from Dubai to Africa, and to and from the four Afri- can countries visited), the Emirates A319 was created for guests who want to go “beyond fi rst class,” and refl ects the glamour of a bygone era when air travel was both exclusive and an integral aspect of luxury travel experiences. The jet features 10 private suites, private shower spa and powder room and a communal lounge space. Without Borders in Botswana. In addition, there are initiatives to thread sustainability leadership into the experience. Guests will experience an intimate connection with where the money is spent and its positive impact. They will meet the fi eld staff who run and manage these programs, thus gleaning fi rst-hand on the ground insights into what has been made possible through this groundbreaking offset program. The inaugural trip takes place August 17 to 29, 2021. ROAR AFRICA Emirates Executive Private Jet African Safari will also be offered from August 26 to September 7, 2022, and August 26 to September 7, 2023. The 12-day safari is priced at $125,000 per person. “THIS EXPERIENCE SETS A NEW PARADIGM IN ULTRA-LUXE ADVENTURE AND SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL AND IS A CATALYST FOR CHANGE.” Luxury adventure. Creature comforts are not neglected during this epic safari trip. Wildlife protection. Roar supports the protection of wildlife through targeted, grassroots organisations. Mara Plains. Dinner overlooking the African plains is just one of the many once-in-a- lifetime experiences.48 C EO M I D D L E E A S T JUNE 202 1 lap Dubai is a new rooftop bar that offers up a feast for the eyes, ears and of course, the taste buds, making it an ideal spot to impress your VIP dinner guest, courtesy of an evening that delivers pleasant twists and surprises. Along with views over the city, diners will fi nd themselves enchanted by art, eclectic music and slick service, and this is all before you’ve even seen the exceptionally plated dishes being brought to your table. Your impeccable taste, refl ected in your choice of restaurant, becomes swiftly apparent as soon as the main act begins, and with impressive cocktails dispensed with, dishes such as edemame with truffl e, honey and shichimi present an ‘aha!’ moment when new fl avor combinations reveal themselves to be absolutely delicious. Black cod wraps in lettuce with a citrus miso and foie gras garnish are light, moreish and beautifully presented, while the crispy A ROUND OF APPLAUSE... CLAP DUBAI IS A TRUE PERFORMANCE, BRINGING TOGETHER ART, MUSIC AND DISHES THAT ENGAGE ALL THE SENSES rice squares adorned with dried miso, avocado, shitake and yuzu placate my plant-based dining companion who is seriously impressed by the options for vegans. Indeed, there is something for every taste, whether you’re here to dig deep into the satiating pleasure of carbohydrates or nibble daintily on a chef-selected sushi and sashimi menu. Befi tting a Japanese menu, the list of rolls, sushi, nigari and sashimi is extensive and executed with pinpoint precision; main courses feature Japanese seafood favourites, grills and veggie options. The now ubiquitous black cod miso is there along with sea bass with ponzu, and plump shrimps with mushroom, asparagus, sake soy and chili. A robata grill and josper oven section meanwhile, curates a mouthwatering selection for carnivores, with meat cuts served with potato puree and pickled vegetables, and a selection of Japanese steakhouse style sides. There’s a really keen focus on presentation here, which isn’t surprising considering the attention that’s been lavished on the beautiful interior space too, and with diners venturing out again after a long hiatus, it’s refreshing to fi nd oneself within a space that feels so dynamic, lively and exceptional. The service is on point, the venue is beautiful and it feels genuinely exciting to be inside a restaurant again. Clap’s fi rst act is a compelling one and we can’t wait to see the next chapters unfurl. Claprestaurant.com DINE | CLIENT DINNER BY JOLA CHUDY C Japanese flair. If you like a touch of the theatrical with your dining experience, Clap Dubai is for you.JUNE 202 1 CEO MIDDLE E A ST 49 FOOD | CLIENT LUNCHES BOMBAY BOROUGH BUSINESS LUNCH Give your taste buds a treat with hyper-local Indian cuisine at Bombay Borough. An ode to the Indian train journeys where meals were freshly cooked and served quickly to hungry travellers, the Express Lunch offers a wide range of fl avours courtesy of elegant dishes. Start with a sharing portion of Chutney Papad Tokri, before tucking into the smalls menu. Then, choose your main from a selection of street grills, big plates, and Biryanis, along with a choice of dessert. AED99 weekdays, from 12pm-3:30pm Reservations +971 043271555; difc@bombayborough.ae Bombay Borough, Gate Village 3, DIFC TAIKO DUBAI Celebrate carnivorous indulgence with a menu that showcases the highest-grade wagyu available in the UAE. Taiko Dubai, the Middle Eastern chapter of the Amsterdam culinary concept by Executive Chef Schilo van Coevorden, announces For The Love of Wagyu, a seven-course menu that pays homage to exquisite Japanese Wagyu. Starters include Wasabi Popcorn bites, Tuna and Wagyu Tataki with Persian sour berries and soy vinaigrette. Main courses include Szechuan spiced Mapo Tofu Wagyu Gyoza, and the Rendang Bao Bun with braised wagyu neck and pickled cucumber. For the Love of Wagyu Set Menu, AED 425 per person. Mondays 7pm-11pm Reservations +971 44 281 4010 Sofi tel Dubai The Obelisk BELUGA RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE The dining experience at Beluga entice all the senses. Featuring a selection of international fl avours, the menu includes pasta, sushi, and a variety of pizzas. Signature dishes include Truffl e Linguine, Seafood Fettuccine, Bresaola and Burrata Pizza, Truffl e Pizza, Spiced Octopus, Angus Beef Tartar and Grilled Seabass to name a few. The setting is suitably magnifi cent, making this a great contender for a lunch meeting with the ‘wow’ factor. Reservations +971 4 340 8882; reservations@belugabar.com Beluga, Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai TOP TABLES MAKE YOUR LUNCH INVITATION A LOW-KEY FLEX WITH THESE IMPECCABLY TASTEFUL AND FLAVOURFUL DINING DESTINATIONS, THE PERFECT WAY TO ADD A LITTLE BIT OF PLEASURE TO YOUR BUSINESS DAYNext >