SimplyAbuDhabi VII

1 5 7 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I T he opening of this third store in the United Arab Emirates in partnership with the Al Mana family demonstrates the dynamism of the house and its capacity to nurture its fundamental values of independence, excellence and authenticity. Since we opened a store in the Burjuman Gardens Mall in Dubai in 2004, and in the new Burj Dubai Mall in 2009, Hermès has witnessed this country's profound understanding of the house’s fundamental values as well as its enthusiastic embrace of our unique savoir-faire in the design and creation of exceptional objects. Hermès has a passion for functional objects well-made and a reverence for long-lasting creations and craftsmanship. Time is our great ally in this task; the time for our craftsmen to bring to life the beauty of their materials, and for our customers to appreciate the magic of our creations. We hope that each visit to Hermes at The Avenue Abu Dhabi store, offers a glimpse of the emotion and love invested in every Hermès object, and will surprise and inspire our future and faithful clients in Abu Dhabi. Today, it is with great pleasure that we begin this new adventure in this most cultivated and forward-looking capital. Patrick Thomas, 64, served as Managing Director of Hermès International from 1989 to 1997. He was Chairman of the Lancaster Group from 1997 to 2000, and then Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the British company WilliamGrant & Sons from 2000 to 2003. He rejoined the Hermès group in 2003 as Managing Director. He was named CEO of Hermès International when Jean-Louis Dumas stepped down as Chief Executive Officer in 2004. True to the vision of the five generations before him, Patrick Thomas is a devotee of a shared corporate philosophy coupled with a broad delegation of authority. Under his leadership, Hermès has been organised into independent, entrepreneurial, and innovative métiers, all linked by an overall artistic direction common to the entire group. Patrick Thomas is a real credit to the brand and we can only wish him and Hermès progressive prosperity, for now and the future. Simply Abu Dhabi loves the Hermès brand.