World Arabia Summer 2024

ONE COULD SPEND AN ETERNITY seeking the verbal formula that triggers the mechanism of a person’s desire to grow, yet ultimately, it all derives from a phrase known to us since childhood: “I’ll do it myself!” This sentiment, I believe, underpins the biblical narrative of human history, which, according to Erich Fromm, begins with an act of disobedience. This act serves as both a liberation from guardianship and bestowed blessings, and the commencement of intellectual development. “I’ll do it myself!” transforms the insignificant into the significant, invents gunpowder and the wheel, constructs bridges and demolishes them — only to return to the cycle of creation and destruction. Between these cycles lie events — pivotal intellectual milestones upon which the fabric of the future is stretched. When Albert Einstein’s theory of…

LARA PALMER: What is your strategic vision for INTERPOL, and how do you plan to address the evolving challenges in global law enforcement? DR. AHMED NASER AL-RAISI: My strategic vision for INTERPOL is to build a modern, transparent, and diverse organization capable of addressing the evolving challenges in global law enforcement. In a world where crimes know no borders, a global policing organization like INTERPOL is indispensable for tackling criminal activity and fostering international law enforcement collaboration. It is evident that while police technologies have advanced significantly, our core principle of collaboration remains steadfast. Since my election to the Presidency in November 2021, I have been committed to delivering on this vision. Working closely with the Executive Committee, the General Assembly, and the General Secretariat, we have made tremendous strides…

HUBLOT, THE SWISS LUXURY WATCHMAKER renowned for its avant-garde designs and innovative use of materials, has once again pushed the boundaries of horology with its iconic Unico collection. The Unico line embodies Hublot’s “Art of Fusion” philosophy, seamlessly blending cutting-edge technology with traditional watchmaking craftsmanship. At the heart of the Unico collection lies the in-house developed and manufactured Unico movement, a testament to Hublot’s technical prowess. This self-winding chronograph movement boasts a column wheel mechanism and a flyback function, allowing for precise and instantaneous timing. With a power reserve of 72 hours and a frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour), the Unico movement ensures exceptional performance and reliability. The movement is visible through the sapphire crystal case back, revealing the intricate workings of the 330 components, including the…

I REMEMBER JOINING MY FIRST BUSINESS COMMUNITY after university, where I felt energy and thirst to create and improve the world. It struck a chord within me and made me realise that everything I saw in front of me was created by entrepreneurs. If I wanted to impact this world, I needed to unite and empower entrepreneurs. This feeling stayed with me and eventually ignited a passion for creating communities. My journey to this point has been a tapestry of diverse experiences. I have been an entrepreneur, involved in politics, and participated in various social initiatives. I have been in the business club sector for 10 years. The first 5 years were about social responsibility as an entrepreneur, and the next 5 years were about creating a professional community. I…

LARA PALMER: Mr Bocelli, could you share with us when you first realised you had a musical gift? Was there a particular moment that made it evident to you? ANDREA BOCELLI: From a young age, I realised I had a pleasant voice and a natural talent for singing. Friends and family frequently asked me to perform, encouraging me to consider a career in music. I fondly remember my esteemed elementary school teacher, Ines Giamprini, who, after hearing me sing, shared a profound lesson: ‘Remember, the good Lord gave you a gift, and of this gift, you have no merit.’ This wisdom has stayed with me throughout my life, shaping my perspective on my talent. L. P.: Did your parents support your musical aspirations, or did they have other plans for…

DUBAI: WHEN WILL THE PROPERTY BUBBLE BURST? Over the past few years, Dubai has become a magnet for entrepreneurs and relocators from all corners of the globe. Negligible taxes, a high standard of living, impeccable safety, and a warm climate — what more could one ask for? However, amongst economists there is a prevailing sentiment that property, being a major source of investment, is significantly overvalued in Dubai. The property sector is supposedly awaiting an imminent crash, followed by an economic recession. But is there any truth to this? Let’s delve into this deeper. MYTH 1: DUBAI HAS REACHED ITS GROWTH LIMIT Let’s detach ourselves from mere perceptions and turn to the laws of supply and demand. Where demand increases, supply invariably follows. It’s as clear as two plus two…