Simply Abu Dhabi XX

2 9 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I FOUNDER & CO-FOUNDER’ S LETTER Dear l o v e r s o f l uxu r y Arnie S Hira – CEO & Founder Arnie.Hira@simplyabudhabi.com Jordana Imogen Lynch – Managing Director & Co-Founder Jordana.lynch@simplyabudhabi.com Manoj S Hira – Director – info@nowaiting.co.uk Editor: Arnie S Hira Co-Editor: Jordana Imogen Lynch Copywriters: Jordana Imogen Lynch, Arnie S Hira ترشع و شیع सु ख 奢侈品 Lujo Luxe Luxus Lusso Management team Creative Director: Colin Statham - colin@simplyabudhabi.com Managing Editor: Kerry Smith - kerry@simplyabudhabi.com Editor at Large: Charlie Benton Beauty Editor: Sophie McMullan - sophie@simplyabudhabi.com Car Editor: Damien Reid - damien@simplyabudhabi.com Sub Editor: Caroline Stupnicka - caroline@simplyabudhabi.com W E L COM E T O S I M P LY A B U DH A B I : “Your Passport to Pure Luxury” Jordana &Arnie Wishing the World: Peace, Prosperity & Progress in 2016 Like our Facebook page via http://www.facebook.com/simplyabudhabi Follow us on instagram via http://www.instagram.com/simplyabudhabi or via the app @simplyabudhabi Images: All photos used in Simply Abu Dhabi are by Getty Images/Shutterstock/GoRunway/ Distribution: Abu Dhabi Media Company Circulation Director: Mr Mohamad Al Zarouni Operation Manger: Mr. Khaled Ibrahim Distribution In charge: Muzammil Sulaiman Disclaimer: The publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for error or omissions contained in this publication, however caused. The opinions and views contained in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. Readers are advised to seek specialist advice before acting on the information contained in this publication, which is provided for general and entertainment use and may not be appropriate for the reader’s particular circumstances. The intellectual property and the ownership of trademarks are acknowledged. No part of Simply Abu Dhabi or any parts of the contents thereof may be duplicated or reproduced, saved, stored in a retrieval system or communicated/transmitted in any form without written permission of the publishers. An exemption is hereby granted for extracts used for the purpose of fair and reasonable review. Simply Abu Dhabi Limited HQ is Elizabeth House, Elizabeth Street, Manchester, M8 8JJ, United Kingdom. Born in Abu Dhabi, Designed in Manchester, Distributed throughout the world. W elcometothislandmark20thedition ofSimplyAbuDhabi.Fiveyearsago, we set out to launch the area’s premier source of stylish, sophisticated content to delightandenraptureourreaders.Overthecourse of twenty issues, we have evolved to become a celebration of Abu Dhabi’s culture, history, dazzling sights and myriad attractions. Each new edition expands our reach as we explore more of what makes this place and its people so truly special. Andwhatarideit’sbeen.Therehavebeenbumps in the road to be sure, yet it’s remained a thrilling journey. Fitting then, that our theme for this issue should be action and speed, as we present to you Simply AbuDhabi XX: Enter theDragon. In our exciting cover feature, we go behind the scenes at Dragon Racing International, the internationallyrenownedracingteamandproviderofbespoketrackdayexperiences,asHH SheikhKhalifabinSultanAlNahyantakestheMcLarenDragontothemax.Ourmotoring correspondent DamienReid shares with you all the adrenalin-fuelled experiences Dragon Racing International has to offer, then follows up with a comprehensive review of the F1 season, which finished at Yas Marina with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix just as we went to press.WhilstNicoRosbergwon the race, depriving teammate LewisHamilton of his 44th Grand Prix win, Hamilton claimed his third World Championship in his car, numbered 44, on the eve of the United Arab Emirates’ 44th birthday. In a tribute to National Day, Hamilton wore the UAE colours on his helmet and gloves, signifying the special link between F1 and the nation. Finally, Damien and Arnie meet Felipe Massa at Hackett of London’s Yas Mall for an interview covering Massa’s take on the 2015 season and his admiration of Abu Dhabi. We hope you’ll enjoy this extended feature, including some captivating photography byCharnKamal Singh. We are pleased to introduce our firstCEO2CEOinterview, inwhichArniemeetswithMr. Ala'aEraiqat, theCEOofAbuDhabiCommercialBank. Inawide-rangingdiscussion,Mr. Eraiqat shares insights about his career path, management style, and work-life balance. It was a fascinating conversation, andwe’re sure you’ll feel the same. Thenfeastyoureyesontheverylatestinwatches,dazzlingjewellery,andWinter2015fashion lines for men, women and children. Our Beauty Editor, esteemed makeup artist Sophie McMullan, brings news of the most tantalising new cosmetics and fragrances, whilst our manon the track,DamienReid, is back to thrill youagainwithcoverageof theRolls-Royce Dawn, BentleyBentayga, andPaganiHuayra. Fromthe road to the air, then, aswe treat you to a look inside the GulfstreamG650ER, followed by two fantastic travelogues from our roving reporter,NickRice, who takes you toMiami first then to three incredibleEuropean capitals: Barcelona, Copenhagen andReykjavik. It’sanaction-packedissue,tobesure,asbefitsour20thedition.It’sbeenanincrediblejourney, and we’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who’s supported and encouraged us along the way and helped make Simply Abu Dhabi what it is today – our love letter to thismagnificent capital. We can’t wait to seewhere the next twenty issues will take us. Wishing you all the very best of life and luxury. Cover Photography: Charn Kamal Singh Virdi