Culture More Than a Word in Gold: Nadine Kanso on Twenty Years of Bil Arabi Through Bil Arabi, her calligraphic jewellery brand, Nadine Kanso has shown that Arabic can be contemporary, beautiful, and deeply personal. Now, she shares why an opportunity must add meaning, and why growing in the right direction matters more than growth alone. By Staff Writer • 4 min read
In Conversation From Pharmacist to Footwear Founder: Titi Adesanya on Building a Luxury Brand in Dubai From Lagos to London to Dubai, former pharmacist Titi Adesanya is building a footwear house on Nigerian heritage and Italian craftsmanship. She reflects on cultural depth, comfort, and why endurance matters most for emerging brands. By Staff Writer • 5 min read
In Conversation Homegrown, Global: Faiza Bouguessa on Building BOUGUESSA From French-Algerian roots to the heart of Dubai's fashion scene, Faiza Bouguessa reflects on building a luxury house from the region, the evolving wardrobe of Gulf women, and why the next chapter of Middle Eastern fashion belongs to those who look inward. By Staff Writer • 4 min read
Culture Beyond the Stay: Ralf Steinhauer on Designing Abu Dhabi’s Next Generation of Destinations Ralf Steinhauer reflects on why luxury in the Gulf is more functional than expressive, and how hospitality has quietly become the infrastructure of daily life. By Staff Writer • 5 min read
In Conversation In Conversation: Charles Awad, Former Chief Brand Officer, Majid Al Futtaim From Procter & Gamble to leading brand strategy at a top regional retailer, Charles Awad knows what separates brands that scale in the GCC from those that stall. He reflects on the discipline behind genuine localisation and why relevance here is earned, not declared. By Staff Writer • 6 min read
Luxury In Conversation: Alison Rehill-Erguven, CEO, Cenomi Centers From a career spanning Asia, Europe, and Latin America to leading Saudi Arabia’s largest mall operator, Alison Rehill-Erguven reflects on the Kingdom’s retail transformation, the shift from shopping to experience, and why relevance — not scale — defines the next era. By Staff Writer • 3 min read
In Conversation In Conversation: Nicola Turner, Principal at Heidrick & Struggles From London to Dubai, Nicola Turner has placed senior leaders across luxury, retail and beauty. Now she shares insights on the Gulf's talent landscape, why cultural fluency and global acumen must coexist, and what leaders will need by 2028. By Staff Writer • 5 min read
In Conversation In Conversation: Lara Varjabedian and Jonathan L. Hasson, Co-Founders of UBQT From Dubai, an AI-powered platform is attempting something radical: getting people off their phones and back into real life. Lara Varjabedian and Jonathan L. Hasson reflect on digital minimalism, proximity-based connection, and why the UAE provides the ideal testing ground for their work. By Staff Writer • 6 min read
In Conversation In Conversation: Rebecca Bemhena, VP Content at Shoptalk Luxe As Shoptalk Luxe makes its Abu Dhabi debut, Rebecca Bemhena reflects on technology as luxury's new craftsmanship, how heritage maisons and disruptor brands forge the future together, and why invisible AI creates space for deeper human intimacy in elevated retail. By Staff Writer • 3 min read
In Conversation In Conversation: Georgette Davey, Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches From Switzerland to Shanghai and now Abu Dhabi, Georgette Davey reflects on three decades of hospitality education and why the Middle East represents the next frontier for Swiss academic excellence, one that meets Emirati cultural heritage. By Staff Writer • 5 min read
Culture In Conversation: Hanan Sayed Worrell, Cultural Strategist and Place-maker From airports and museums to wildlife conservation and authorship, the civil engineer turned placemaker has spent three decades translating Abu Dhabi's vision into built reality. Now, she reflects on the art of creating spaces that honour heritage whilst inviting what's next. By Staff Writer • 6 min read
In Conversation In Conversation: Raya Abu Gulal, Founder, R.A.G Legal Consultancy From Abu Dhabi to The Hague, the award-winning legal advisor reflects on the Gulf's rapid transformation, the power of clear laws, and why women's leadership is central to progress. By Staff Writer • 3 min read
