Simply Abu Dhabi Magazine XVI

6 4 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I The sights – and incredible aromas – that greet you as you enter the shop are truly delights for the senses. It’s a beautiful setting combining influences from the Company’s history, in its rich lacquered reds, deep greys, and gold tones, with a distinctively Middle Eastern flair, as seen in the gorgeous mosaic tile print on the floor. The entire effect is a fantastic integration of the traditional and the modern, which encapsulates the essence of the enticing shop. On the impeccably presented shelves and displays, you’ll find an array of tempting goodies, the world’s finest teas, and the luxurious china offerings. It’s a wonderful place to shop for a truly unique gift – though we expect you’ll want to sample everything yourself first. The Company offers products that have been crafted by artisans and specialists from around the world using ingredients that have been carefully sourced for their quality and have a well-known provenance. Each tea in the range is personally selected by the East India Company’s Tea Master, ensuring only the finest quality teas are available. A direct relationship with the tea estates enables the Company to stock some of the freshest teas available because they arrive in-store within 28 days after the leaves have been picked. Fine foods and teas from the East India Company are more than just delicious indulgences – they are truly part of history. The Company could be considered the world’s first truly global brand. At one point in time, it had the largest merchant navy in the world and conducted more than 50% of the world’s trade. The East India Company had a profound impact on the development of international trade, as merchants and explorers would set sail from London on their way to the East – India, Burma, Malaya, Java, Indo-China, and onwards. On their return, they would bring back delicacies of every kind.