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Inside the opulent DAMAC Maison –
Cour Jardin
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Issue / 06
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DA MAC PROPERTIES’ CONTACT DETA ILS
UAE+971 4 301 9999
Dubaidubai@damacgroup.com
DAMAC Maison Dubai Mall StreetDowntown Dubai, UAEP.O. Box 5840Tel: +971 4 270 1700
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Park Towers Dubai International Financial Centre Tel: +971 4 376 3600
Plot No. 676-1061Al Hebiah Third, Al Qudra RoadTel.: +971 4 341 8678
United KingdomStar Luxury LLC6th Floor, 50 Hans CrescentLondon SW1Tel: +44 7879 539 906info@starluxuryproperties.com
Kingdom of Saudi Arabiaksa@damacgroup.com
Riyadh14th Floor, Al Anoud Tower 2King Fahad Road, Tel: +966 11 293 2883
JeddahAl-Shumeisi BuildingTahliah StreetTel: + 966 2 284 5445
Damman5th Floor, Al Dossary TowerDammam Corniche AreaTel : +966 13 8305471
LebanonDamac Tower, Unit No 304Mina El Hosn, Omar Daouk StreetBeirutTel : +961 788 36 222/ +961 788 36 333 beirut@damacgroup.com
JordanAl Abdali ProjectDamac TowerPO Box 841317, Amman 11181Tel: +962 6 56 57 457
IraqVilla 69, Street 13, District 605Al Mansour-Dawoodi, BaghdadTel: +964 1 77 64 102 baghdad@damacgroup.com
Qatar
West Bay AreaDoha, PO Box 18223Tel: +974 44 666 986doha@damacgroup.com
damacmagazine@damacgroup.com
Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the information published is accurate, HOT Media Publishing and DAMAC Properties do not accept liability for omissions or errors in this magazine.
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Welcome
06
HOMEOne Collection, Five Rooms Feast your eyes on the latest collection from Versace Home
Follow the ScentDiscover why the smell of your home is as important as the décor
On the RiseDAMAC meets four Arabic designers who are making waves internationally
French MastersDubai-based 19th Century Antiques offers insider tips for collectors
PROPERTYA Winning CombinationSay hello to DAMAC Properties’ latest
Waterside WonderlandA unique experience can be found atthe new Canal Views development
History in the Making
DAMAC as it rises
Lights, Camera, Action!
Resorts
Contents
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Cover / DAMAC Maison -Cour Jardin
Published by /
for DAMAC Properties
FEATURESMagnificent 7From Courchevel to Megève, the world’s coolest lodgings are revealed
The Tiger Who Came to Tee
golf course in Dubai
Best of Bespoke
place for bespoke apparel for centuries Natural Phenomena
continues to inspire jewellery design
Ahead of Time Four 21st-century horology leaders share their secret to success
Cocooned in Luxury
DAMAC Maison – Dubai Mall Street Recipe for Life Discover why Antonio Carluccio is the beacon of Italian food
Peak PerformanceA high-end car customisation service arrives in Dubai with serious va va voom
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48 / 08
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Chalet NOberlech, AustriaLooking for that ‘once in a lifetime’ vacation? Then this luxury chalet should just about tick all the boxes. Located in plush grounds above the glamorous village of Oberlech, Chalet N sleeps up to 22 people and has room for 20 staff, including chauffeur, chefs, ski instructor, hair stylist, beauty therapist and
and direct elevator access to the piste from your own heated ski room. What’s not to love? chalet-n.com
1.
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MAGNIFICENT
CoolDWELLINGS
From Val D’Isere to St Moritz, we go in search of the world’s finest chilled out lodgings…
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Chalet Mont BlancMegève, FranceThis seven-bedroom retreat is being heralded as this season’s most opulent new chalet in Megève. Perfect for large groups or families, this winter hotspot sleeps up to 12 adults plus four children and boasts a spa, hair salon, indoor pool, hammam and private helipad. On hand is a private chef, children’s concierge service and massage therapist, with additional facilities ranging from a home cinema
for – quite literally – the height of alpine relaxation. consensioholidays.co.uk
2.
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Cheval Blanc, CourchevelCourchevel, SwitzerlandTwo hours from Geneva International Airport you’ll
1850, home of the Cheval Blanc Courchevel’s exclusive four-bedroom penthouse. The Apartment
boasts three suites as well as a triple reception room, a dining room, a bar and a private kitchen.
bathrooms, two separate dressing rooms, a private
mention the private elevator that directly opens onto a dedicated ski room? courchevel.chevalblanc.com
3.
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TreehotelHarads, StockholmNestled among the tree-tops of a small Swedish village some 970km north of Stockholm, is Treehotel,
rediscover their roots by building a treehouse together, rooms range from The Cabin to the Mirrorcube. The former is cosy and kitsch while the latter is approached by a 12m-long bridge and surrounded by forest – quite possibly the epitome of being at one with nature. treehotel.se
4.
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ICEHOTELJukkasjärvi, SwedenAn alternative winter experience can be found at the
hotel built of snow and ice. Available to hire out in its entirety, and open until mid-April, guests have
of the list, though, are the Art Suites, all individually designed and created by hand-picked artists from around the world, and the traditional Ice Rooms, where furniture is made from ice and nothing else. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights from the hotel’s aptly named Northern Lights Rooms. icehotel.com
Chalet HuskyVal d’Isère, France
with luxury lodges, but there is none so spectacular as Chalet Husky. The super-luxury lodge sleeps 14 in seven spacious en-suite bedrooms, and is fully equipped for those that aren’t enamoured of the snow. The cavernous games room contains
and the vast yet cosy living spaces are linked by a glass walkway that is also suspended over the indoor atrium garden. As the property is exclusively managed by the Scott Dunn team, any rental comes
in-resort driver and nanny services. scottdunn.com
5.
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Chalet Zermatt PeakZermatt, SwitzerlandThis super-chalet has set a new standard for private alpine retreats. Located in Zermatt, an idyllic mountain resort 1,620m above sea level, this
range from a wellness centre, open-plan kitchen and
to-celling windows, ample terrace area and bespoke décor. With the majestic Matterhorn for a backdrop, and four unique ski areas nearby, it’s time to catch a winter chill in Zermatt. chaletzermattpeak.com
7.
The TigerTee
WhoCame to
With news that Tiger Woods is to design his first golf course in Dubai for DAMAC
Properties, what else will 2015 hold for the legendary sportsman?
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WOR DS: CHR IS A N DE R SON
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19
ast year, the world of golf realised it was facing a conundrum. The question everybody was asking, could it survive without Tiger Woods? In 2014 it was perhaps more evident than ever how big this man’s legacy had become. His is a name that resonates with people who do not even follow the sport, who will quickly tell you that Tiger is the best
and beyond, he is the embodiment of the game itself.
This was the conclusion that sports network ESPN came to when
last year’s tournaments. Tiger Woods had been absent from many games, suffering a back problem and requiring surgery, and the impact had been huge. The Masters, for example, experienced its lowest ratings since 1993 – a year when Tiger was still a senior in high school. When he announced that he would not be playing in the event, ticket prices fell more than 20 per cent the next day, while passes for the US Open plummeted likewise.
It is unusual for one sportsman to have this effect, especially in events attracting around 100. But as fellow American golfer Hunter Mahan explained to ESPN: “Tiger changed the landscape of golf and how people viewed it. He’s an important part of
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this game and you feel it when you’re out there. He’s a force. At Augusta [the Masters] this year, it looked different, felt different from when he is there. I just didn’t see as many fans.”
The bottom line is that the people want Tiger Woods. It has been that way since 1996, the year that he turned
the 1997 Masters, by 12 strokes, becoming its youngest ever champion at 21, and reaching the number one position in the world rankings all within
and steely determination captured the public’s imagination, and for many years he proved unstoppable. Today he still holds records for the most consecutive weeks as world number one, has won 14 major golf championships and 79 PGA Tour events, been awarded PGA Player of the Year a record 11 times, and is only the second player in history to have achieved a career Grand Slam (winning the Masters, US Open, British Open
‘Often it appears that Tiger Woods was put
on Earth for one reason only – to excel at golf ’
and PGA Championship in the same season) three times.
But this is merely scratching the surface in terms of his achievements. Perhaps his biggest, unwittingly, is turning millions of people onto the game of golf, who before his debut had not shown any interest. While 1996, and Tiger turning professional, seems the likely start date for this, many will argue that he was charming the public long before, in 1978 as a two-year-old, putting against comedian Bob Hope, himself a keen golfer, on TV. Tiger was touted as a child prodigy, taking to the game at such an early age.
His father, Earl, was interviewed on the show, and revealed that his son had been playing since he was aged 10 months. “He walked over, got his little putter, set up, waggled just like I did and hit the ball,” he said. It was to
appearances.His father was the biggest driving
force in Tiger’s life. A former military man, Earl Woods served two tours of duty in Vietnam and attained the rank of lieutenant colonel in the Green Berets. Some believe it was his military training that helped Earl to condition his son, teaching him to be disciplined
and focused. The two were clearly close, and every victory of Tiger’s early career would end with him scanning the crowd, wanting to give his father an emotional embrace.
When Earl passed away from cancer in 2006, it left a huge gap. Just a few years earlier the two had launched the Tiger Woods Learning Center in Anaheim, California, providing college-access programmes for underprivileged teens. This existed alongside the Tiger Woods Foundation, started in 1996, again with Earl, teaching golf to inner city children. “My dad was my best friend and greatest role model, and I will miss him deeply,” Tiger said at the time. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without him, and I’m honoured to continue his legacy of caring and sharing.”
There is something about Tiger Woods, the way he carries himself both on the golf course and away from it, taking on causes close to his heart, speaking highly of his father and growing up before our very eyes in the media that no other golfer is able to compete with. People like to see him win, and they want to see more – can he break the few remaining records that have eluded him so far, eclipsing those still held by the great Jack Nicklaus, for example?
Without his father in his life, Tiger clearly felt the effects. He took a hiatus from the sport in 2009, returning in 2010, but his last major win remains the 2008 US Open. Could this year see a return to glory? He believes that his injury troubles are now behind him, revealing in his end-of-year blog for the PGA Tour that he felt “healthy, strong and stable”.
Irish golfer Paul McGinley also noted improvements: “I watched Tiger recently, and the one thing that was very clear, and speaking to some of the other guys that have played with him, he’s got his distance back,” he told Reuters. “If you’re playing at the top level in professional golf now, you’ve got to be hitting the ball a long way. Rory McIlroy [current world number one] has got that, he’s one of the longest hitters in the world, and it looks like Tiger has got that back. For Tiger to rise up this year and have a real head-to-head battle with Rory would be great for our sport.”
So there is potential for Tiger to reassert himself in 2015, coupled with the exciting news that he will be designing an 18-hole championship course for the Trump World Golf Club, Dubai, developed with DAMAC Properties and set to open in 2017. The conundrum of whether golf can survive his absence may remain the subject of debate, but we don’t have to worry about it yet.
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S
Savile Row has been the go-to place for bespoke apparel for centuries. DAMAC profiles some of The Row’s most notable residents
ynonymous with bespoke tailoring, Mayfair’s Savile Row has been the bastion of sartorial style since the 19th century – so much so, in fact, that the Japanese word for suit is “sabiro” (say it out loud and you’ll see what we mean). Still to this day, The Row is considered the byword for unmatched quality around the world, of which bespoke – so called because when customers chose their cloth it was said to “be spoken for” – is the ultimate expression.
The street in Mayfair was built in 1731 to 1735 by the Earl of Burlington and named after his wife, Lady Dorothy Savile. Towards the end of the 18th century, in response to the excesses that had fanned
tailoring as we know it today was born. Inspired by ‘honest’ English country gentlemen’s riding attire, the elegant, understated aesthetic was championed by George ‘Beau’ Brummell, who swapped decadent aristocratic court dress for plain black or navy wool tailcoats and buff breeches.
One of the oldest surviving tailors is Henry Poole
& Co, known as the ‘founder of Savile Row’ after
dates back to 1806). Since then, this 300-metre stretch has attracted some of the most illustrious names in tailoring, including Gieves & Hawkes, Norton & Sons, Kilgour and Huntsman. Its tailors, meanwhile, have measured the inside legs of history’s great men, from Napoleon III to Sir Winston
During the mid-19th century, James Lock & Co invented a Savile Row icon: the bowler hat, while Henry Poole is credited with creating the tuxedo in 1860 for the Prince of Wales, a short smoking jacket cut in midnight blue cloth to wear at informal dinner parties at Sandringham. Savile Row was
made, a legacy that remains to this day at No. 1, the home of Gieves & Hawkes, the tailor with most Royal Warrants.
As the Jazz Age swung into action in the 1920s,
Astaire. While Royal mistresses such as actress Lille Langtry had their riding habits made at Henry Poole in the 1880s, the 1930s heralded a breakthrough for women’s clothing on The Row, when Marlene Dietrich and Katharine Hepburn wore masculine suits and ties by Anderson & Sheppard.
By the 1950s and ‘60s, Savile Row was seen as the pinnacle of masculine elegance worldwide, thanks to dashing stars such as Gregory Peck and Cary Grant. Towards the end of the decade, suits became cool when Tommy Nutter and Edward Sexton opened Nutters of Savile Row in 1969, attracting the cream of Swinging London, including The Beatles and Mick and Bianca Jagger. These maverick tailors are regarded by many as the godfathers of the modern Savile Row suit.
The 1990s saw a new generation of tailors arrive on The Row, with Richard James, Ozwald Boateng and Timothy Everest photographed for the London
century has presented challenges for The Row, not least from increased competition from cut-price rivals, the tailors formed the Savile Row Bespoke Association in 2004, which aims to protect and promote the art of bespoke tailoring.
Today, The Row employs over 100 craftsmen and women and members of the Savile Row Bespoke Association must adhere to a time honoured set of rules. Every bespoke garment must have its own individually handmade pattern produced by a master
a least 2000 fabrics, before the garment is hand-tailored under the cutter’s supervision, with at least 50 hours of work required for a two-piece suit. The result of these exacting standards? An extraordinary
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Huntsman Established by Henry Huntsman in 1849, Huntsman specialised in riding breeches and sporting clothes for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. With creative director and owner Roubi L’Roubi at the helm of No. 11
continued to excel at country and city suits. With a background in mechanical engineering, every L’Roubi creation is exacting and structured, with comfort and wearability at its heart – crafted
form. “I have a very analytical approach to pattern making, which came from my engineering degree,” he says. h-huntsman.com
Famous clients: Gregory Peck,
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Richard Anderson
Richard Anderson and Brian Lishak, who have both worked on The Row all of their working lives, at No. 13 Savile Row. The house style is designed to make customers look at their best by enhancing the good features and disguising those less good. Says Lishak: “We use long slim lines, for example, a neat shoulder, high armholes, nipped in waist to lighten the coat by showing daylight between the sideseam and sleeve. A single button uncomplicated front with long lapel and slim sleeve. Trousers cut proportionately slim.” richardandersonltd.com
Famous clients: André Leon Talley,
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Kathryn Sargent Prior to launching her eponymous atelier last year at No. 6 Brook Street, just a stone’s throw from the famous street, Kathryn Sargent spent 15 years on The Row. In 2009, she was appointed head cutter at Gieves &
position. Sargent provides a bespoke service for both men and women,
individual. “I don’t have a set house style as many of the large brands – true bespoke craftsmanship is the core of my business and therefore we
discreet luxury service,” says Sargent. kathrynsargent.com
Famous clients: David Beckham, Robbie Williams, Bob Geldof.
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Ozwald Boateng At 28, Boateng became the youngest
– to open on The Row. The former creative director of Givenchy has
Ocean’s Thirteen and is the recipient of an OBE for his contributions to the
his forties, is known for using vibrant colours and adding a contemporary twist to his garments. “I like to play with the traditional themes – it doesn’t have to be black, so I’ve got my signature dark purple tux,” he says. ozwaldboateng.co.uk
Famous clients: Will Smith, Jamie
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Natural PHENOMENA
Nature has inspired jewellery design for centuries, its influence etched, encrusted and engraved into and onto everything from
rings to pendants, bangles to brooches. DAMAC examines the everlasting allure of the natural world
If you rounded up the world’s leading high jewellers and pinpointed their most
design of rings during the Renaissance movement
“Two of the most predominant were Pansies for
There were trees and other naturalistic motifs in memorial jewellery to represent the various stages of
artistic designers revolted against the machine
others from this period started a movement that has
designers who stand out for the presence of nature
reinterpreted jewellery and the natural world in the
One jeweller that continues to capture the
range of smaller designers who range in style from
> Opposite page, top to bottom: Van Cleef & Arpels’ Oiseau Mystérieux clip; Van Cleef & Arpels’ Mystery Setting Libellule Rubis clip.
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‘The relationship between nature and jewellery dates back to the earliest form of jewellery’
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designs with has much charm and grace today as it
‘Each piece in the collection is named after the bird that
inspired it’
more stylised form… and from there the motif has
interpreted and reinterpreted in millions of ways
is an emotional journey; from design through to the
the common threads really come from nature and the
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> Opposite page, top to bottom: The Greater Bird of Papua ring; The Wilson’s Bird of Papua ring. This page: A watercolour of Van Eyck’s Greater Bird of Papua ring.
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> This page: Cartier’s Panthère Collection. Opposite page: A sketch of the Panthère Collection.
Imag
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ania
& V
ince
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more crude and raw or freeform in interpretation to
fantasy forest which surrounds the most sumptuous
‘It is one of the maison’s most significant creations, with the panther taking on a much fuller form’
Imag
e: Is
abel
le R
ey ©
Car
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Watchmaking is one of the oldest and most celebrated industries in the world. Here, four 21st-century horolog y leaders share their story, and reveal the secrets behind their success
Peter Harrison CEO, Richard Mille Middle East
“Richard Mille and I have been friends for nearly 20 years, we were both in the luxury watch industry for a very long time. When he started his company 12 years ago we started to work together in a small way, and then in 2006 we formed a much bigger partnership. It’s eight years old now and we’ll continue as long as we’re both happy. “A lot of watch companies – most watch companies – are tens or hundreds of years old, and in a way that often holds them back and they’re constrained by their history. Whereas us as a new brand, we don’t have a heritage we have to look back on that says we can’t do certain things. In terms of using new materials and new applications to watchmaking, it’s much easier for us to go forward. Our clients, particularly in the Middle East, are ready to embrace that kind of revolutionary approach to watchmaking.”
Stand-out style: With its revolutionary approach to watchmaking, a watch’s weight
is the primary focus for Richard Mille. Case in point? It’s record-breaking tourbillon watch, made
for Rafael Nadal, which weighs 19 grammes.
The story behind an icon: Richard Mille RM 027 Tourbillon
“The biggest thing for us is we try to make watches that are extremely light. Traditionally when you bought a watch, it was a big gold watch and the
we worked with a lot of our ambassadors, like Rafael Nadal and Felipe Massa, and they wanted something that was as light as possible – a watch that did the same stuff all the other watches did, but you couldn’t feel it on your wrist. We got to this record-breaking tourbillon watch we made for Rafael Nadal, which was 19 grammes.”
Founded: 2001
‘Lightweight’
Stephen Forsey Co-owner, Greubel Forsey
“The idea to make our own watch with our own signature came about because we had an idea for a mechanism around this tourbillion and we wanted to see the result of that and the only way to do that was to make the complete piece. “I think Greubel Forsey is very unusual in that we focus very much
technically; the architecture, or the creation aesthetics; and the level of
elements together mean that it’s a very special timepiece. With each piece, (we make 100 pieces a year), we’re not seeking to add an existing mechanism – everything has to be reinvented, so
interested in what others do. But for Robert [Greubel] and myself, it doesn’t change what we do, actually. We have a vision and ideas for 10 to 15 years, so we know what we want to do.”
Stand-out style: Specilising in timepieces with multiple tourbillons and inclined balance wheels, Greubel Forsey produces just 100 pieces a year, which can command up to US$1 million per timepiece.
The story behind an icon: Double Tourbillon 30° Technique
“We entered the Double Tourbillon 30° Technique [into the 2011 International Chronometry Competition]. Independently they measured the performance, they beat the piece with a robot to
is typically destructive to performance for a mechanical watch [and they exposed it to] different temperatures from 38 degrees down to eight. Despite that, we won the tourbillion category in terms of performance and we have the highest score of all the modern editions of the competition [it scored 915 out of 1,000 points]. So for us as watchmakers this was really the underlining of our new generation tourbillion system that can really deliver an extremely interesting performance.”
Founded: 2004
‘Exclusivity’
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Jean-Claude BiverChairman, Hublot
“Hublot was founded in 1980, and it was founded in a very spectacular way because it came out with a watch that looked like a porthole – by the way, Hublot means porthole in French – so it was a very disruptive birth. The watch looked like a porthole and was with a rubber strap. And in 1980, to put rubber on the wrists of women and men was impossible, because it was not considered something that should be on the wrist. The tyres of a car, yes, but not on the wrist. So Hublot was born in a disruptive way. And when I joined Hublot in 2004, I said, ‘Now we have to disrupt again, because rubber has become common’. So the message, the DNA of Hublot, is disruption. Disruption is everywhere with Hublot. It is within our marketing, within our advertising, within our ambassadors, it’s in our promotions, and it’s also in the materials and colours we use. One can say Hublot is the master of disruption in luxury.
“My journey to Hublot was very easy because I knew the company, I knew its potential, and I knew it needed to be restructured – and I love restructuring companies. It’s not my passion to drive a company where everything is going well. My passion is more in companies where I can contribute and make changes. That is why I joined Hublot.”
Stand-out style: Boasting a short history but a big future, Hublot lives very much in the latter. At a time when watchmakers traditionally stick to precious metals when designing their timepieces, this marque dabbles in rubber and other innovative materials, such as Kevlar and ceramics.
The story behind an icon: The Big Bang Chronograph
“I designed the watch, and I said, ‘This is our future’. This is where we have to be, and where we have to go. I gave it the name Big Bang because the Big Bang was also a disruption, an incredible explosion. But this explosion was not destructive, it was constructive. After the Big Bang, the universe was created. So I said, ‘This watch is going to create what the future in watches will be. So let’s call it Big Bang.’
in any language. It’s like the word tsunami, or golf. The Chinese say golf. They say tsunami. They say Big Bang.”
Founded: 1980
‘Disruption’
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Christine HutterCEO, Moritz Grossmann
“As a watchmaker, you have a dream
your own watch. I carried this dream with me over the years and during my time in Glashütte, where I worked for A. Lange & Söhne and Glashütte Original, I learned a lot about German watchmaking. Then I learned that the name Moritz Grossmann was completely free and nobody had secured the brand rights. In 2004, I went to Switzerland as managing director of Haute Horlogerie Schindler SA and then the idea became more and more. And then it started. I started really from the kitchen table
then, three months later, we opened
of ideas in mind but nothing was quite there. You see huge mountains in front of you and you do not know which step
that if we started to produce watches we had to develop them by ourselves, create our own movement and do the whole production in-house. Now, in Glashütte, we’ve already got respect and they recognise that the products are high quality and with a lot of craftsmanship.”
Stand-out style: In a bid to move the timepieces into the 21st century, the team at Moritz Grossmann have a knack of blending tradition with innovation to expert effect.
The story behind an icon: The Benu
“The name is from Egyptian mythology and it came [about] because everybody said, ‘You’re coming like a phoenix from the ashes’. We looked for a name we could protect as well and Phoenix was already done, so I looked and found the story of the Benu bird. The divine heron settled into its nest one evening, which
morning a new Benu bird hatched. Grossmann died in 1885 and the company was closed. Until 2008, nothing happened with the name or workshop. We started after this long time and that was the reason
Founded: 2008
Stand-out sinto the 21shave a knacexpert effec
The story bThe Benu
“The name[about] beca phoenix f
ld
‘Revival’
40
With the principal aim of cleansing, purifying and restoring one’s wellbeing, the philosophy at Chrysalis Spa, DAMAC Properties’
Holistic Cocooning What is it? Centred on traditional Chinese medicine, four senses are stimulated during this multisensory
to determine your current emotional state, which
and sounds based on traditional Chinese medicine,
multifunctional treatment bed (pictured), designed to reduce your respiratory rhythm from the usual
What’s on offer?
COCOONED INLUXURY
A year since its grand unveiling, Chrysalis Spa at DAMAC Maison – Dubai Mall Street has evolved into
a beacon of tranquillity. Time to pay a visit
41
Flotation PoolWhat is it?
– a medical treatment using sensory – not only has an
immediate effect on pain relief and stress but it also
brain gradually shifts from its usual ‘alpha’ state to –
to reach through hours of mediation, and years of
– the more
What’s on offer?
Hammam Table What is it?
– unless you’re
followed by a body wrap (the green wrap with mint is
part is choosing which ritual to pair the hammam
What’s on offer?
essential oils and soothing massage as they while
For more information about Chrysalis Spa and the treatments on offer call +971 (0) 4 270 0777 or visit www.damacmaison.com
43
RECIPEfor
LIFEAntonio Carluccio is the beacon of Italian cuisine. Since arriving on
the food scene some 40 years ago he has transported his home country’s culinary flair to the world. During a recent trip to Dubai, the pasta master sat down with DAMAC to talk simplicity, chocolate-coated
oysters and why he’ll never retire
44
onsidering he has never worked in a restaurant professionally or received any formal training Antonio Carluccio hasn’t done too badly. Carluccio himself is Italian, of course. He was born in 1937 in the Italian town of Vietri sul Mare, the son of Giovanni, the town’s stationmaster, and Maria Carluccio. A childhood spent at this stunning seaside town watching his “mamma” prepare family meals, was, he admits, the fuel that fed his passion for food.
From the south-west coast of Italy to Vienna a twenty-something Carluccio went, taking with him a general understanding of food and a heavy heart – his younger brother, Enrico, died shortly before Carluccio’s departure. It was while studying in the Austrian capital that he really honed his skills in the kitchen.
“On a very low budget, and cooking for myself and friends, I had to learn quickly how to stock a basic larder, how to buy fresh food wisely, cheaply, healthily and daily, and how to cook it simply,” says the self-taught cook. “Those months in Vienna were very important for me, because they helped formulate the base of my future hobby/profession. Because of them, I am what I am today – a passionate, virtually self-taught cook.”
Carluccio is, however, quick to point out that all his ideas came from a solid foundation: the years he spent absorbing food facts, techniques, textures and tastes from his mother. Described by the now 77-year-old as “a passionate family cook who managed to feed her large family well, creatively and very lovingly through the lean post-war years”, he says: “When you have passion for food, for cooking and for people, and with food being more immediate than anything else, you can reach a lot of people with it.”
C‘Italian cooking is based on centuries of very good
food and it is unnecessary to change this’
a cook, not a chef. “I’m not a chef, I’m a cook,” he says. “I’m a cook because I have never cooked in a restaurant, I never attended a school for cookery and I was never professional.” But, he adds: “I’ve cooked practically for 50 years, I’ve cooked in restaurants for chefs and then I was supervising. I discovered that cooking was a lovely thing to do – not only for oneself but for others as well.”
What, then, makes a good cook? “Simplicity and modesty – let other people decide if you’re good or not.”
And it is simplicity, unsurprisingly, that underpins Carluccio’s cooking methodology. “I have a motto for that – MOFMOF: minimum of fuss, maximum of
unnecessarily. Italian cooking is based on centuries of very good food and it is unnecessary to change this. Just make it right, and good.”
Complication in the kitchen is something he encounters – and dislikes – often. “In Turin, a two-Michelin starred Italian restaurant offered me an oyster with chocolate on top and I said to [the chef],
‘What is your aim with this?’. He said he wanted to shock people. I said you succeeded because it was revolting. If something has culinary sense then it’s acceptable but something like that, just to make your name, people forget it.”
With more than 50 years under his toque, Carluccio is certainly not a name people forget. Be it the Carluccio Caffé chain (more on which in a
cookery classes or his television series, Carluccio is synonymous with Italian cooking.
This reputation is, of course, helped hugely by the said series of tratttorie-cum-delicatessens, Carluccio Caffé, now owned by Dubai-based Landmark Group, with Carluccio acting as its culinary consultant. With a number of new outlets springing up in Dubai in recent months, Carluccio is as excited about the chain’s future as he was when
Carluccio’s brand was actually formed in 1991 when the cook and his then-wife opened a food shop in Covent Garden). “My ex-wife and I created Carluccio in its present form – a combination of a restaurant,
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‘I discovered that cooking was a lovely thing to do – not only for
oneself but for others as well ’
a café and a food shop, as such Carluccio’s aims to offer customers the opportunity to eat simple, high quality Italian food in a casual café environment, as well as taking the same foods home. Still today, it is a good formula.”
Described by the godfather of Italian cuisine as “a collection of shops – with hundreds around”,
restaurant in America. “We don’t need to hang the Carluccio’s name anywhere. It has to make sense. If you do something right and well, you have the reward anyway,” says the cook.
How – in his seventies – are his energy levels for this kind of business, for it is no secret cooking, paired with extensive travelling, can be stressful. “Never!” he shouts when asked about the prospect of retiring. “Never surrender. For me, you retire from the job that you don’t like because you’re fed up with it. If you like what you do you don’t need to retire. I’m 77 now and really enjoy everything. The word retirement
pension, you go on holiday and then you wait for the time you have to go. It’s not good.”
Indeed, it is his sprightly soul and fondness for food that make Carluccio the face of Italian cuisine.
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Penne GiardinieraServes 4 Ingredients 500g penne regine600g courgettes 20g red chillies 20g garlic, peeled 80g butter 240g grano padano cheese
For the Spinach balls (24 balls)600g young spinach leaves2 medium eggs, beaten1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed1 pinch nutmeg, freshly grated50g fresh breadcrumbs20g Parmesan, freshly grated
Method
the penne regine until al dente (should take around 10 minutes).
and the garlic.
chillies and garlic and sauté for a few minutes before adding the grated courgette. Fry for around 1 minute.
toss until well combined. Finally, add some grated parmesan cheese, season to taste and serve in deep bowls with 6 spinach balls on top.
For the spinach balls
water for a few minutes, scoop out, drain and set aside to cool.
out most of the moisture and chop the leaves.
eggs, garlic, nutmeg, breadcrumbs and Parmesan.
fry in the oil until they start to brown on all sides.
Cheat sheet:Short on time but big on appetite? Head to one of Carluccio’s six locations in Dubai (The Dubai Mall, Mirdif City Centre, Dubai Marina Mall, Dubai Airport terminal 3, Deira City Centre and Ibn Battuta), or three Carluccio’s outlets in Abu Dhabi (The Galleria,
and order a bowl of this classic dish for yourself.
RECIPE
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There are 499 LaFerraris in the world, and 450 Bugatti Veyrons. There are only 375 McLaren P1s, but that’s still a few too many for serious car collectors who want to own something unique. Even something you might think of as incredibly rare – the US$850,000 Porsche 918 Spyder, exists in relatively large numbers; 918, to be exact.
ARES Performance is the latest venture from former Lotus CEO Dany Bahar. After being let go from the British carmaker (and suing them for unfair dismissal), Bahar decided to take his career in a new direction – by setting up a company that would take
customise them. The result is one of the automotive success stories of 2014. Bahar had originally hoped
million-dollar mark), only to be inundated with 25 and counting. Journalists, who had been offered test loans of vehicles from the ARES Atelier, had to wait for a hasty rescheduling as the cars sold out faster than the studio could produce them.
The company works in two ways: you can either bring your supercar to the ARES Performance team, who will work with you on every detail of its overhaul; or you can simply take one of the ARES atelier’s own
says: “Of course the car companies don’t like it, but because it’s in such small numbers it’s ok. We’ve seen the new Bentley SUV – it is so ugly. We have customers coming up to us saying our Bentley SUV is better. We’ll see. It’s not a competition; it’s a matter of taste.” See if your taste matches that of ARES Performance’s – if so, you may want to give them a call.
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Peak PERFORMANCE
Dany Bahar is the former head of Lotus, Red Bull and the marketing arm of Ferrari. His new business, ARES
Performance, aims to turn supercars into works of art
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Here’s four of ARES’ finest modified vehicles to date...
ARES Atelier for the Mercedes G ClassEXTERIOR: ARES Carrozzeria Body Kit in premium
custom-designed inserts. ARES Carrozzeria ultra-light 22-inch forged wheels. Steel sports exhaust system.
INTERIOR: Completely new cockpit taken from the luxurious Mercedes C Class, custom-made sports steering wheel incorporating precious materials, optional television screens in the rear cabin.
ARES Atelier for the Porsche Cayenne Turbo SEXTERIOR: Aerodynamic front splitter, ARES
through side skirts to custom ARES exhaust system.
INTERIOR: Inspired by the stunning 918 Spyder, utilising custom-made Nappa leather inserts and radiant green piping. Ergonomically re-designed racing seats with sculpted foam additions.
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ARES Atelier for the Lamborghini HuracánEXTERIOR:rear diffuser, side skirts and front grille built using Carbon Prepreg in vacuum/autoclave technique, hardened at over 120°. Exclusive, custom-designed 21-inch wheels.
INTERIOR: The highest-grade materials coupled with Italian Nubuk and Nappa leather, boosted with
ARES Atelier for the Rolls-Royce WraithEXTERIOR: Titanium sports exhaust system including
diffuser side skirts and front grille in premium quality
INTERIOR: Full interior materials upgrade, including hand-crafted artisan interior panels using custom Nappa leather interior and upholstery.
For information visit www.ares-performance.com
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HOMEDiscover how Versace Home’s latest collection is set to make a splash across every room in the home, and take a peek at the emerging designers making waves internationally. Plus, one leading perfumer reveals the secrets behind room scenting your abode...
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LIVING ROOMStandout feature: UpholsteryAt the heart of the range is the Via Gesù sofa,
the V of Versace, the sloping angle of its arms and the velvet-like
secret drawers, are each
Versace Medusa head at
LustLIST
Via Gesù Collection
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One collection, FIVE ROOMS
The latest collection from Versace Home is a luxurious blend of rich fabrics, hand-carved detailing and exquisite
furniture. Inspired by the maison’s historical HQ in Via Gesù Milano, Via Gesù is sure to make a splash across
every room in the house
Close-up
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DINING ROOMStandout feature:Wood carvingThe splendour of Versace’s Italian heritage is inherent in this collection. Case in point: its dining table, complete with hand-carved wooden legs that are reminiscent of the architecture of Via Gesù palace.
Close-up
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HALLWAYStandout feature:Stainless steel
mirror art, the special oxidized stainless steel
with the gold metal
gold leaf on the console’s
OFFICEStandout feature:Leather embossing
leather of this desk adds a masculine touch to an otherwise delicate piece
drawers are cloaked in
BEDROOMStandout feature:Prints
which runs across its cushions and comforters, features neoclassical images alongside a view of the
Close-up
Close-up
Close-up
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Follow the SCENT
There are diffusers. There are candles. And then there are fragrances. For many, the smell of your home is as important as the décor. Here, one perfumer shares his tips for room scenting your abode
The living room
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‘When we first started distributing in the GCC I was amazed to discover that noses in
this region are quite sophisticated ’
The entrance hall
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ON THE
RISEFrom furniture to art, DAMAC
meets four Arabic designers who are making waves internationally
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Marrakech-based product designer Younes Duret combines one of the most recognisable Moroccan design hallmarks – zellige tilework – with new materials,
the award-winning Zelli bookshelf, a modular structure consisting of eight interlocking pieces of Simopor, a lightweight thermoplastic.
“I really like the construction of the pattern [of
Duret explains. “You see it everywhere, not only in the tiles, but the plasterwork, the woodwork. It tells you a lot
about Arabic culture. But it’s not only that. It’s the way people interact with each other and the way they use the
A regular at the region’s design events, including NUQAT in Kuwait and Design Days Dubai, Duret is “absolutely convinced that North Africa and the Middle
Europe where he studied. “It’s kind of insane the energy
generation is working together to push the limit as much younesdesign.com
Younes Duret
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david /nicolas2014 was a big year for Beirut-based design duo David Raffoul and Nicolas Moussallem. Not only was their leather-lined jewellery safe selected for the
Wallpaper* Handmade exhibition at last year’s Salone del Mobile, the world’s most important furniture fair in Milan, but they also unveiled their Dualita
The collection sees the past clash with the future. Made out of metal tubes, satined copper details and upholstered with Alcantara textile, the pieces are
While the creative scene is booming in Beirut, “we need to try harder to
Adds Moussallem: “It is very important to look at the world as one scene, if you are based in Beirut for instance it does not mean that you are only in Beirut.
davidandnicolas.com
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eL Seed
signifying a certain religion or ideal, but creating a vision of unity. He’s been commissioned to paint minarets in Tunisia and tunnel walls in Qatar, as well as
The artist grew up speaking Arabic but not knowing how to write it. “I started
“I started by making some classical calligraphy and then I started making them bigger and longer. When people saw it they said, ‘What are you doing? You’re
in Dubai, moving away from large two-dimensional canvasses and presenting monumental 3D sculptures. “These new works are an approach to have the
says. elseed-art.com
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Marc Dibeh
Beirut in 2009, Dibeh began steadily building his reputation, culminating in being hailed by Wall Street
Miami 2013 for his Wires collection.
a steel thread, shaped into a square, triangle, rectangle or diamond, to create desks and lamps.
the local scene, which is “always on the rise with so
and international fairs have helped him tell his stories. “Starch gave me the chance to ‘perform’ on a platform and a stage. This visibility helped a lot to go from an audience of one to a bigger one. Design Days Dubai helped going from a local to a regional
marcdibeh.com
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CATCH ME IF YOU CAN IN2015
Discover how you can pick up a unique design piece from our stable of designers
david/nicolasHead to Design Days Dubai this March (designdaysdubai.ae) and take a peek at Loulou/Hoda, the design duo’s collection for Art Factum Gallery.
Saint Etienne, France, in March, keep an eye out for their new porcelain collection (limited to 30 pieces) for Vista Alegre (myvistaalegre.com). In April, meanwhile, david/nicolas will be showcasing at the Salone del Mobile in Milan with Nilufar Gallery, one of Italy’s most active and original galleries. davidandnicolas.com
eL SeedSince landing on the UAE art scene, eL Seed has garnered quite a reputation. If you haven’t be able to spot one of the artist’s murals thus far, pick up a copy
journey of discovery for the French-Tunisian street artist. For commissions, email info@elseed-art.com or visit elseed-art.com for more information.
Marc DibehWith a piece currently on display in Lausanne, Switzerland, Marc Dibeh will be showcasing a little closer to home at March’s Design Days Dubai. Taking place in The Venue, Downtown Dubai March 16 to 20, the fair will see Dibeh, along with a stable of 43 renowned exhibitors, present purchasable and highly- desirable works of modern and contemporary design to discerning collectors. Moving over to Miami, and the Lebanese designer will also showcase at Design Miami in Basel in June. For the moment, his products are available through Art Factum Gallery in Beirut. marcdibeh.com
Younes DuretAside from its by-appointment-only boutique in Marrakech, fans can also order limited edition and exclusive pieces online at younesdesign.com. The studio, too, takes commissions for bespoke furniture and design (email contact@younesdesign.com), while it’s newsletter will keep you up-to-date on events and workshops. younesdesign.com
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Fishermen in the AdriaticFélix François Georges Philibert Ziem (1821-1911)French artist Félix Ziem was one of the most sought-after artists during the 19th century. “His paintings of Venice and Constantinople are noted for his use of colour and light,” says Javaheri. “He often painted seascapes, such as this one, and is recognised for his effects of natural light on the sea. Ziem produced his own colours from natural pigments, using lapis-lazuli from which he derived his blues, similar to the 17th-century Dutch master, Vermeer.
Impressionist artists such as Vincent Van Gogh who found inspiration in Zeim’s blues and sunsets.”
Secrétaire à Abattant, Louis XVI style, end of 19th centuryMaison Beurdeley (1818-1895)This drop-front desk is from the Beurdeley family of furniture makers and features marble, gilt-bronze mounted amaranth, burr wood, mahogany, ebony and lacquer. “Maison Beurdeley is a three-generation furniture maker of the 19th century renowned for their
the quality of their gilt-bronzes,” explains Behroz Javaheri. “Using the same techniques of mercurial gilding and hand chasing, their work is often compared to the famous 18th-century gilders.”
French MASTERS19th Century Antiques in Dubai is home to the region’s largest collection of French collectables. Owner Behroz Javaheri shares his favourite pieces
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Melodie’ bronze sculptureLouis-Robert Carrier-Belleuse (1848-1913)
French sculptor and painter Louis-Robert Carrier-Belleuse, whose works can be found in museums around the world. “He was the son of the sculptor Albert Carrier-Belleuse and brother of the painter Pierre Carrier-Belleuse,” comments Javaheri. “He was appointed artistic director at the Choisy-le-Roi porcelain works and was responsible for model design. He received an honorable mention in 1887 and was awarded a silver medal at the 1889 Exposition Universelle in Paris. He was later made a Chevalier of the Légion d’Honneur.”
Louis XVI style Commode à Vantaux, 1865Charles-Guillaume Winckelsen (1812-1871)This commode by French craftsman Charles-Guillaume Winckelsen features a marble top resting above three small frieze drawers decorated with gilt bronze mounted amaranth and sycamore. “Winckelsen’s production varied from furniture to decorative works of art, specialising in particular in the Louis XVI style to a very high quality standard,” explains Javaheri. “He had a distinguished clientele,
de Lillers and the Prince Radziwill. Jean-Louis-Benjamin Gros was his main furniture maker, and Joseph-Nicolas Langlois his bronze chaser.”
Gilt-bronze clock garniture, 1855Vincenti & Cie Vincenti & Cie was a leading French clockmaker during the 19th century, specialising in roulant blancs (rough
silver medal in Paris in 1824. “This is an exceptional gilt-bronze clock garniture,” says Javaheri. “The clock dial is surrounded by cherubs and the pair of candelabra include bacchantes in classical dress, holding an urn above their heads, which also contains six-light arms and acanthus leaves.”
‘Winckelsen’s production varied from furniture to decorative works
of art, specialising in particular in the Louis XVI style to a very high
quality standard’
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PROPERTYAn inside look at DAMAC Properties’ latest partnership with golf superstar Tiger Woods, a unique look at how AKOYA by DAMAC is shaping up, and a sneak peek at what’s planned in the state-of-the-art lobby at DAMAC Towers by Paramount Hotels & Resorts
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or over a decade, the real estate portfolio of DAMAC Properties has been at the forefront of the Middle East’s luxury real estate market. With an enduring passion for design and quality, the company has built a reputation for creating some of the most iconic and desirable properties in the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon.
Established in 2002, DAMAC has delivered 13,000 homes to new owners, with over 38,000 homes at various stages of the construction process, including luxury branded apartments in collaboration with fashion icons and golf communities spanning a total of almost 100 million square feet.
Following the success of the AKOYA brand, DAMAC introduced a second master plan development in Dubai in August 2014. AKOYA Oxygen is a 55-million-square-foot development in Dubailand and will include the most lush, green living area in the region. The project also includes
centre, globally-recognised retail brands, leisure and entertainment offerings, and organic market
places all set within beautiful manicured grounds. And for sports enthusiasts there’s the new Tiger Woods-designed 18-hole Championship course. Always at the forefront of visionary concepts, DAMAC has relationships with Paramount Hotels & Resorts
fashion houses Versace Home and FENDI Casa for branded residential apartments and villas, and The Trump Organization for the development and operations of the Trump International Golf Course, Dubai and The Trump Estates within the AKOYA by DAMAC development.
Mid-2013, DAMAC Properties introduced the ‘AKOYA by DAMAC’ master plan development in Dubai. This includes mansions, villas, luxurious apartments and a retail centre all surrounding The Trump International Golf Course, Dubai. Within the AKOYA by DAMAC plan, products include The Trump Estates, a limited collection of 100 luxurious mansions. Also set within the heart of the community is a collection of FENDI fashion-styled villas, Golf Veduta, and DAMAC serviced Villas by Paramount Hotels & Resorts.
As a global leader in branded real estate, the company is also developing a US$1 billion hotel and luxury serviced residences in the Burj area of Dubai, called DAMAC Towers by Paramount, which
residences in the region. Within the hospitality sector, DAMAC’s in-house
hospitality team is responsible for managing the company’s growing portfolio of over 10,000 units of leisure assets in its serviced hotel apartment developments. The division provides complete hospitality management through its own hospitality operating brands DAMAC Maison Hotels and Hotel Apartments, and NAIA by DAMAC.
As DAMAC continues to innovate and bring new concepts to the market, the company is determined to build on its powerful performance to date. With vision and momentum.
The company is listed on the Dubai Financial
year Sukuk on NASDAQ Dubai in April of 2014, which was more than four times oversubscribed. Further information is available at damacproperties.com
DAMAC Properties delivers a
life of luxury
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When DAMAC
WINNINGCOMBINATION
A
Discover how DAMAC Properties is making a habit of bringing together the biggest names in sport to create truly memorable products
–
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Awaterside property is a wonderful thing. Most homeowners dream of owning a slice of paradise by the beach, or perhaps a lake. DAMAC Properties has recognised this valuable commodity and given buyers the chance to own a luxury property in the heart of Dubai’s Canal District. Inspired by the clean, open and modern designs seen in hospitality projects within big metropolitan cities like New York, London and Paris; Canal Views offers unparalleled views over the Business Bay water canal, and beyond that to the
WatersideWONDER L AND
As DAMAC Hotels & Resorts opens its third DAMAC Maison Hotel, we take a look inside its lastest project
tallest building in the world, the iconic Burj Khalifa. Canal Views is DAMAC Properties’ second
premium project in the district – the company
of 2013. DAMAC Maison – Dubai Mall Street was a huge success for the company, its opulent and fully furnished one- two- and three-bedroom apartments
had yet seen. Rising to 50 storeys, the tower was a
from the other towers in the Downtown area of Dubai.
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restaurants, cafés and culture – right on its doorstep meant that buyers couldn’t reserve their apartments quick enough – and the demand was such that DAMAC Properties decided to give the people more of what they wanted with the Canal Views development.
Niall McLoughlin, Senior Vice President of DAMAC Properties, says: “Canal Views offers a different ambience and style to DAMAC Maison – Dubai Mall Street, but with the same exemplary service standards our guests have come to expect from DAMAC Maison. We look forward to welcoming families and business visitors from all over the world, to enjoy the luxury service standards in a prime location with great views, perfectly positioned to explore everything Dubai has to offer.”
The development has 211 deluxe hotel suites in a variety of one-, two- and three-bedroom
comes complete with complimentary Internet access,
moving in as simple as possible – truly a commodity for today’s time-poor individual. To make things even more appetising for owners, the building also contains a host of leisure facilities and services. The
of sweet and savoury international cuisine, all prepared on site with fresh produce. The comfortable and relaxing lounge area has a stunning terrace area, which overlooks the shimmering swimming pool – a perfect space for entertaining friends and family. And at the end of a day’s business Downtown, what better way to relax than a soaking in the open-air Jacuzzi, or in the large and modern steam room and saunas.
The DAMAC Maison Canal Views development is also fully family-friendly, and the larger units will comfortably house a family with multiple children. The property offers free parking with spacious bays, and facilities like large-luggage storage and a children’s playground make the tower an ideal place to base a family.
Of course, regardless of how spectacular the DAMAC Maison Canal Views tower is, any property expert will tell you – location, location, location is key. Downtown Dubai is rapidly expanding and its amenities are truly second-to-none. The crown jewel is The Dubai Mall. With an annual turnover of over
the success of the Downtown area, generating tens of thousands of jobs and forming the hub from which the city’s retail, leisure and hospitality sectors spread
2014, and celebrated by proposing a stunning new one-million-square-foot wing next to the Burj Khalifa, which will add further restaurants, shops and activity centres to complement the ones already in the mall like the Dubai Aquarium and Dubai Ice Rink.
It isn’t just The Dubai Mall that is expanding. DAMAC Maison and NAIA by DAMAC (the company’s other hospitality brand) will be offering bespoke services to residents in more than 11,000 serviced hotel apartments by the end of 2018, making it one of the largest hotel apartment operators and
opening of Canal Views, nearly 1,000 rooms are already open and fully operational. The company has also seen a huge uptake in its other developments like AKOYA by DAMAC, a luxurious apartment and
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‘Canal Views is DAMAC Properties’ second premium project in the district’
retail centre built around the centrepiece that is The Trump International Golf Course. Following the success of this, AKOYA Oxygen was launched in August 2014, with the unique selling point being that it was the most lush, green and eco-friendly living area in the region.
Finally, the canal itself is set to get bigger. An extension is underway for the man-made waterway to cut across Sheikh Zayed Road, Safa Park, Al Wasl Road and Jumeirah Beach Road before opening up into the coastline. Due to be completed in 2016, the upgrade to the canal will make it an even more desirable spot in which to live – but for now, if you want everything the canal has to offer, there’s only one place you need to look, DAMAC Properties’ stunning Canal Views development.
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> This page, clockwise from top left: Artist’s impression of AKOYA by DAMAC homes; Looking back from the Trump International Golf Club, Dubai, to the luxury villas on the course; Artist’s impression of AKOYA by DAMAC apartments; The golf apartments overlooking the golf course; The Queen’s Meadow villas, which will welcome residents in the next 12 months. All images shot by drone, January 2015.
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While Dubai is not short
DAMAC Towers by Paramount Hotels & Resorts will
Set to open in 2016, the development, which will overlook the Burj Area of Dubai, will boast a lobby
Blending Hollywood elegance with contemporary styling, it will quickly immerse guests into the magical
walls transporting guests to out of space or perhaps the darkest depths of the ocean via panoramic
ambiance by using techniques such as chiaroscuro, which depicts stark contrasts between light and
and “Cast Members” will stand together at a large circular desk, with sophisticated technology ensuring
out anywhere in the lobby or even in their room via
guests will have access to interactive information
screens or kiosks, as well as the latest “insider”
Art, ranging from photography and painting to
3D animation and hologram by local, regional and global artists, will also take guests on a journey that
while transformational elements like media mapping and digital signage will be seamlessly integrated into
The Booth of Truth is another interesting
space allows guests to share feedback about their hotel experience, allowing Paramount Hotels & Resorts to understand and respond to the needs of
Paramount Hotels & Resorts, says: “We are in a unique position to be able to bring the very best technological practices being used in the Hollywood blockbusters seen on screen, into a cinematic and transformative hotel environment which will make every moment in the Paramount Hotel Dubai,
to the project that DAMAC Properties has announced
Paramount Hotel Dubai, Downtown will be one of
Hotel, Jumeirah Waterfront and DAMAC Villas by Paramount within the AKOYA by DAMAC master development, while the developer is also building
Lights, camera, ACTION!
With state-of-the-art technology and cinematic design, the lobby of DAMAC Towers by Paramount Hotel & Resorts
promises to be spectacular
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‘Blending Hollywood elegance with contemporary styling, it will immerse guests into the magical world of movies’
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AWA R DS & ACCOL A DESDAMAC Properties has won more than 40 awards across various industry categories. These awards include:
2014 Gulf Business Industry Awards 2014Real Estate Company of the Year
2014 International Property AwardsWorld’s Best International Residential High-Rise Architecture
(DAMAC Heights/DAMAC Residenze)
2014 Arabian Property Awards (Best In Arabia)Best Residential High-Rise Architecture Dubai (DAMAC Heights/
Residenze)Best Golf Course Dubai (Trump International Golf Course)
Best Developer Website (www.damacproperties.com)
2014 Arabian Property Awards (Best In Dubai)Best Golf Course Dubai (Trump International Golf Course)
Best Residential High-rise Architecture Dubai (DAMAC Heights/Residenze)
Best Developer Website (www.damacproperties.com)
2014 Arabian Property Awards (Best In Dubai) Highly Commended:
Development Marketing Dubai (AKOYA by DAMAC, The Trump Estates)
Architecture Multiple Residence Dubai (DAMAC Towers by Paramount)
Golf Development Dubai (AKOYA by DAMAC)Residential High-Rise Development Dubai (DAMAC Towers by
Paramount)Hotel Interior Dubai (DAMAC Towers by Paramount)
Interior Design Apartment Dubai (DAMAC Heights/Residenze)Interior Design Saudi Arabia (DAMAC Esclusiva)
Gulf Business Industry Awards 2013Real Estate CEO of the Year
2013 OPP Awards For ExcellenceMiddle East Developer of the Year 2013
CEO Middle East Awards 2013Property CEO of the Year
2013 Arabian Property AwardsBest Golf Development for Dubai (AKOYA by DAMAC)
Best Interior Design Apartment for KSA (DAMAC Esclusiva)Best Residential High Rise Development for Dubai
(DAMAC Towers by Paramount)Best Developer Website (damacproperties.com)
Best Development Marketing for Dubai (DAMAC Towers by Paramount)
Best Golf Development for Arabia (AKOYA by DAMAC)
2012-2013 International Property Awards ArabiaBest Residential High-Rise Development Saudi Arabia (Al
Jawharah)Best Developer Website Dubai (damacproperties.com)Best Interior Design Apartment Saudi Arabia (DAMAC
Residences)Best International Golf Development (AKOYA by DAMAC)
2012 Big Project Award Outstanding Development of the year (Al Jawharah)
2012 MEED Quality Awards for Projects Emirates Steel GCC Building Project Of The Year (Ocean Heights)
2012 OPP Awards For ExcellenceBest Developer Middle East
2011 International Property AwardBest International Mixed-use Development (Park Towers)
2011 Big Project BGreen AwardDeveloper of the Year
2011 Bloomberg Property AwardBest Commercial High-rise (Park Towers)
Best Developer Website (damacproperties.com)Best High-rise Architecture Arabia (Park Towers)
Best High-rise Architecture (Park Towers)Best High-rise Architecture (Al Jawharah)
Best Mixed-use Development Arabia (Park Towers)Best Mixed-use Development (Park Towers)
2010 Bloomberg Property AwardBest Developer Website (damacproperties.com)
Best International High-rise Architecture (DAMAC Tower)Best High-rise Architecture (DAMAC Tower)Best Interior Design (DAMAC Tower, Beirut)
2009 CNBC Property AwardBest Developer Website (damacproperties.com)
Best PR Company
2008 CNBC Property AwardBest Developer Website (damacproperties.com)
Best Development, EgyptBest High-rise Architecture (Marina Bay)
Best Marina Development, Abu Dhabi (Marina Bay)Best Property Marketing, Dubai
2007 CNBC Property AwardBest Developer Website (damacproperties.com)
Best High-rise Development (La Residence at The Lotus)Best International High-rise Development (La Residence at The
Lotus)
2006 CNBC Property AwardBest Development Abu Dhabi (Oceanscape)
Best Developer Website (damacproperties.com)Best Single Unit Architecture (Ocean Heights)
2005 Bentley International Property AwardBest Architecture (Ocean Heights)
Best Developer Website (damacproperties.com)Best UAE Development (Maria Terrace)
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