Exclusive interview with Hassan Akhras, founder of Arab Watch Guide; DIFC announces strong growth in number of companies in first half of 2015; Dubai International Airport traffic rose to 6.68 million

Market Report

Exclusive interview with Hassan Akhras, founder of Arab Watch Guide

1. Why did you decide to take that challenge?

The idea of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro actually came up from Othmane Jabri, a friend of mine who had earlier climbed mountains in Nepal and fallen in love with the experience. After discussing with him, I just loved the idea of going into the wild “almost”, getting out of my comfort zone and embarking on the journey of challenging dimensions, both physically and mentally. It made sense to try something new and challenge myself in such an environment.

2. Why climb Kilimanjaro? Is it your first fundraising initiative?

I have done mountain trekking before in Australia and I enjoyed the experience. Of course, that was on a much smaller scale (abound 850m), so climbing Kilimanjaro made a lot more sense. After all it is the highest free standing mountain in Africa and ranked 4th in the world. I don’t think any other challenge would excite me as much as that one.

This is also the first fundraising initiative that I undertake and am specially trying to leverage the Arab Watch Guide reach and the whole “watchfam” on social media.

3. How long will the journey take? How are you getting physically prepared?

The journey involves 6 days ascent and half a day descent – I will be accompanied by two of my friends. I have started my physical preparation with my trainer a few weeks back and we set up a whole program to condition my body to any kind of physical pressure on the journey. A lot of cardio exercises, running, stepping; enormous amount of leg work to strengthen the muscles for long walks up to 7-8 hours a day; and of course core body workouts for supporting my back when carrying my bags while trekking. I haven’t been on a specific diet to be honest, but I usually tend to eat healthy with lot of protein intake every day.

4. Why did you choose this charity in particular as opposed to the thousands of charities out there?

First, I am interested in helping out the refugee Syrian children since I am Syrian and I would love to contribute back to my community. This excludes most of the charities out there as not many have specific programs that support this cause. UNICEF Save a Child and Red Crescent Tarahamo program were two of the shortlisted charities that fit my vision. I contacted both of them in order to set up collaboration. UNICEF got back to me immediately with all the required support and setting up the link and the fund for the donations. Unfortunately I still haven’t heard from the Red Crescent to-date.

5. How did your friends and family and 38 thousand Instagram followers react to the initiative?

Frankly if there was any motivation out there, it was the one that came from my parents, family and many of my followers. Of course family support was expected, however my biggest thrill was to see such positivity, enthusiasm and support and care from many of my followers whom I haven’t met personally.

6. How can people express their support to your cause?

I think at this stage people can do two things. First, of course, donate to the cause. Any amount is always better than nothing. Second, repost my Instagram posts through their own pages and spread the word with the UNICEF link to their own entourage.

7. How are the donations made?

All the donations are made through the UNICEF link below set up for this campaign to be able to monitor the funds raised:

http://www.supportunicef.org/donatetosyria?msource=awg

8. Do you intend to motivate people to join the Kilimanjaro climb?

I don’t think I will be asking anyone to join at this stage pro-actively. I have proposed it a few times to friends around me to join me if they have the physical strength but many still fear the challenges and the conditions. As for me, it is also a personal challenge that I would like to overcome myself.

9. Did you get a sponsor to cover most of the cost?

I was able to secure three sponsors to cover the costs and also contribute to the charity itself.

10. What kind of support is Jaeger-LeCoultre offering? What about Arabian Watches & Jewellery and Money Watches? Are you satisfied with the support you are getting from your sponsors?

Jaeger-LeCoultre is going to provide me with one of their watches to take with me on the trip and create a story of my journey in Kilimanjaro through the eyes of the watch. I am also getting a lot of PR and media support from JLC. Money watches are supporting me in spreading the word on social media and will also leverage their website reach for video content creation after the trip. Finally AWJ is also supporting in spreading the word through their network as well as writing up the story of the journey before and after the climb.

11. Are you going to wear a Jaeger-LeCoultre watch on the way to the peak?

Yes I am going to wear the Master Compressor Chrono Ceramic during my entire journey.

12. How much money do you expect to raise?

I am aiming to raise USD 30K within two months of the campaign.

13. Will you collaborate with other social media accounts? Please explain.

So far I have been able to collaborate with Watch Anish, Patekaholic, Patchstyle, and many other smaller accounts to repost and spread the word – also some accounts are actually putting the link on their bio on Instagram. I am also constantly connecting with followers and influencers and asking them to repost on their respective pages. So the journey will only end when I start climbing that mountain. Until then any collaboration,

or support is always welcome and I am open to different ideas.

14. Any last words?

I must say that this entire challenge has created a new purpose in life for me and a great sense of community feel around me through all the support I have received so far. I am very much excited to take on that journey, first from a very selfish and personal perspective where I am challenging my own body and soul and getting as far as possible from the monotonous life I am used to and where I take many things for granted. Furthermore, the charity initiative is yet another challenge where I would like to see what impact I could have on my society and how much of an influencer I could be leveraging my social reach. I hope you all decide to partake in this journey with me one way or another as it is going to be a great one.

Market News

DIFC announces strong growth in number of companies in first half of 2015

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has reported strong growth in terms of number of companies, number of employees and total area leased within its jurisdiction during the first six months of 2015. The number of active companies registered at the Centre grew 8.3 per cent while the number of people employed within DIFC jumped nearly 5 per cent to more than 18,500. A total of 140 new companies were licensed during the first six months of the year, including 36 financial services firms, 91 non-financial services companies and 13 retailers.

Dubai International Airport traffic rose to 6.68 million passengers in July

According to the statement of Dubai Airports, a total of 6,682,676 million passengers passed through Dubai International Airport in July, a 29.6 per cent increase on the same month last year when airport capacity was cut due to runway refurbishments. Dubai International Airport underwent a $1 billion (Dh3.37 billion) runway refurbishments last year May to July that reduced the number of flights the airport could handle for 80 days.

UAE inflation seen at 2 per cent

Economy minister says impact of falling oil rices on the overall economy ‘has been limited so far’ and that certain business sectors are even benefiting from the lower prices.

Qatar won’t scale back projects in 2015 / 2016

Finance minister says country in strong financial position with minimal deficit likely. Qatar will not scale back economic development projects or cut state subsidies for fuel and food in response to low oil and natural gas prices, because government finances remain strong, the finance minister said. Qatar, the world’s top liquefied gas exporter, is in the strongest financial position. A Reuters poll of economists last month found them predicting Doha would run a state budget deficit of only 0.7 per cent of gross domestic product this year, the region’s smallest deficit.

Company News

A. Lange & Söhne officially opens new manufactory building

German Chancellor Dr. Angela Merkel and Saxony’s Prime Minister Stanislaw Tillich travelled to Glashütte to inaugurate A. Lange & Söhne’s new manufactory building. The complex provides a highly advanced and optimised working environment for the traditional craft of watchmaking. The new building with its 5400-square-metre production area is an urban landmark at the southern gateway to the town of Glashütte.

Franck Muller opens new flagship boutique in Dubai

Franck Muller recently opened its new flagship boutique in Dubai Mall. known for the brand’s exquisite craftsmanship and limitless creativity, the new Frank Muller boutique will join the ranks of the most prestigious watch-makers in the world at the Dubai Mall Grand Atrium. The boutique exteriors & interiors adopt a striking modern art concept, featuring various interpretations of the brand’s classic artistic numerals design which embodies the Geneva brand‘s modern and lavish aesthetics.

Chopard congratulates Porsche Motorsport team, winners of Nürburgring 2015 WEC race

After clocking up a double outstanding victory at Le Mans, the Porsche teams campaigned for victory at the legendary race of the Six Hours of Nürburgring 2015. The Porsche Motorsport LMP1 teams came with strong expectations. After a sensational race full of actions, the two Porsche 919 Hybrid reached the first two positions at checkered flag. Chopard is proud to be the official timing partner of the Porsche Motorsport team, winners of Nürburgring 2015 WEC race. This incredible race was the opportunity for Chopard to present for the first time in Germany the Superfast Chrono Porsche 919 Jacky Ickx, a limited edition dedicated to “Mr. Le Mans”.

The Copa Del Rey Panerai crowns its victors

The Copa del Rey Panerai, organised by the Club Marítimo de Mahón and the Real Club Náutico de Barcelona, closed its 12th edition with a final regatta in which the Gregale (NE wind) proved to be more generous than on the two previous days. The fleet completed a final run of 17.5 nautical miles along the north coast of Menorca, which brought this year’s competition to a fabulous close, in which half a hundred vessels from 12 countries competed. A Price-giving ceremony was celebrated in the terrace of Club Marítimo de Mahón were winners received an engraved silver platted trophy and an exclusive Panerai watch.

Richard Mille opens its first Monaco boutique

Richard Mille has announced the opening of its first Monaco boutique. Monaco is indisputably one of the luxury capitals of the world, set by the sea against the backdrop of a majestic Mont Agel. Home to the most prestigious Grand Prix on the Formula 1 calendar, Monaco provides the ideal setting for the opening of the brands newest boutique. The Richard Mille Boutique resides under the luxurious arches of the Place du Casino opposite the Café de Paris and a short walk from the Buddha Bar which overlooks the famous Loews hairpin. The interior of the boutique includes features of the new Richard Mille global design concept with cracked glass set against the silky softness of Sophie Mallebranche’s cream metal.

Piaget celebrates Polo at the fourth annual Piaget Hamptons Cup

Piaget returned to the Equuleus Polo Club for the fourth consecutive year as the presenting sponsor of the Piaget Hamptons Cup. Partnering with polo superstar Nacho Figueras and polo enthusiasts Joe and Diana DiMenna, the Maison hosted an exhibition match benefiting Robin Hood, one of New York City’s largest poverty fighting organizations. The event brought out families and guests including Piaget CEO, Philippe Léopold-Metzger, who was joined by social media stars and friends of the brand to celebrate the sport of kings and support New Yorkers in need. In addition to the day’s polo action, Piaget’s spectacular high jewelry collection ‘Extremely Piaget,’ all inspired by the archival designs of the 60s and 70s was on display in the dedicated Piaget lounge.

Sicis reveals its new showroom in New York

Sicis The Art Factory, the design brand based in Ravenna leader in decorative mosaic art, has purchased a five floor building located at 240 Fifth Avenue in the heart of NOMAD, Manhattan’s leading district for cutting edge art and design. The showroom, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2015, will house the jewelry and mosaics, together with furniture, lighting and accessories collections. The townhouse will be a think tank location, where hosts unique and experimental art pieces along with innovative limited edition art. After the first flagship in Soho, inaugurated in 2006, the purchase of the showroom in Manhattan confirms the real estate expansion that will increase SICIS’ footprint and it marks a further step towards major evolutions in the USA market.

ARMIN STROM Skeleton Pure to be auctioned in 2015 ‘Only Watch’ Charity Event

ARMIN STROM's Skeleton Pure Only Watch edition 2015 will be auctioned for charity at the highly anticipated, biennial Only Watch event on November 7 in Geneva. The auction benefit supports scientific and medical research regarding Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The ARMIN STROM Skeleton Pure Only Watch edition 2015 is powered by Calibre ARM09-S and features a striking PVD coated matte black main plate and bridges. Colorization enhances the dimension and definition of the movement's complex design. The entirely skeletonized Calibre ARM09-S is a manual-wind, double-barrel movement with an eight-day power reserve. The dial exhibits hours, minutes, small seconds and power reserve indicator.

Product Launch

Carl F. Bucherer launches the Patravi TravelTec II

For the tenth anniversary of the Patravi TravelTec line, Carl F. Bucherer unveils an impressive new member of the family: the Patravi TravelTec II. The unique combination of three-time zone display and chronograph now comes in a bold compact case. Chronometer-certified and water resistant to 100m, the technical sophistication of the Patravi TravelTec II is capable of meeting the most sophisticated demands. Its robust case, 47.4 mm in diameter, features a side-mounted sapphire glass window an essential feature of the Patravi TravelTec timepieces that reveals the built-in complication. It is a sophisticated component of the automatic caliber CFB 1901.1 that allows to simultaneously display three time zones in combination with a chronograph. This extraordinary manufacturing movement was developed in-house and is unique in the world.

Jaeger-LeCoultre presents Reverso à Eclipse in tribute to Vincent van Gogh

2015 marks the 125th anniversary of the death of Dutch post-impressionist painter, Vincent van Gogh. To commemorate this occasion, Jaeger-LeCoultre and the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam are presenting a limited edition of the Reverso à Eclipse watch featuring Van Gogh’s iconic Sunflowers on the dial, in homage to the Dutch master. Painted in 1889, the original Sunflowers canvas dates from the final period in Van Gogh’s life and is owned by the Van Gogh Museum. The painting of Van Gogh’s infamous Sunflowers appears as a hidden treasure beneath the dial when the shutters are opened. A unique reversible watch featuring a pink gold case equipped with the in-house Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 849, the Reverso à Eclipse ideally lends itself to reviving one of the rarest fine art traditions – miniature enamel painting – that demands particular virtuosity and patience.

Frédéric Jouvenot presents the self-winding INTI

Frédéric Jouvenot, the CEO of the Swiss watch manufacture of the same name, has gained global recognition with his highly unusual timepieces. So it is not surprising that in response to growing demand, he decided to relaunch the iconic INTI as a limited-edition self-winding model. The INTI, named after the Incan sun god – and now available as a self-winding model – is a fine example of his ambitions. A paragon of craftsmanship, the watch lives up to its promises in every respect and transports the beholder into the fascinating realm of the Inca civilization. The engravings on the bezel portray elements of Incan culture and reflect the typical, geometrically arranged edifices that can still be admired in Machu Picchu today.

Tiffany presents three iconic collections for fall

Design director Francesca Amfitheatrof anticipates a brilliant fall with new interpretations of Tiffany Victoria™, Tiffany Bow and Tiffany Infinity. In reimagining these signature collections, she brings out the strengths of each, sculpting them in metals of harmonious colors highlighted with diamonds, creating jewelry that is as beautiful worn delicately alone or in dazzling multiples. Tiffany Victoria™ collection evolves with round and pear-shaped diamonds. Tiffany Bow has eighteen karat rose and white gold form asymmetrical loops and off-center knots on slender chokers, curvaceous cuffs traced with diamonds and delicate, sparkling rings. Tiffany Infinity symbolizes the continuous connection, energy and vitality of an ancient symbol. Amfitheatrof goes minimal with this balanced form, refining its contours in cuffs and rings of sterling silver, as well as 18 karat gold and diamonds with fluid modern style.

Ralph Lauren launches its 2015 Automotive collection

Ralph Lauren expands on the Automotive collection with five new watches for 2015, drawing inspiration from Ralph Lauren’s own 1938 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic Coupe. The highlight of the new collection is the RL Automotive Skeleton, the brand’s first open-worked timepiece. Details from the automotive world extend throughout the collection. The amboynas burl wood bezels, elm burl wood dials and black alligator straps are reminiscent of the rich interiors of Mr. Lauren’s Bugatti, and the Arabic numerals emulate those found on the car’s iconic gauges. Each piece in the collection is powered by a Swiss mechanical movement, symbolizing the motor itself and offering precision and superior function.

Romain Gauthier introduces Logical one Secret Kakau Höfke

With Logical one Secret Kakau Höfke, Romain Gauthier has created the ultimate synthesis of art, craftsmanship and haute horlogerie to produce a stunning objet d’art that pays tribute to that most vibrant of cities, Rio de Janeiro. On one hand, Logical one Secret Kakau Höfke is a resplendent expression of contemporary art. Adorning its integrated 18k white gold cover, hour-minute subdial and small seconds is a mesmerising, modernist depiction of Rio de Janeiro, designed by Kakau Höfke. This Brazilian artist is a long-time friend of the Gauthier family and responsible for designing the Romain Gauthier logo when the brand was founded in 2005.

Exhibitions & Events

Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons to host ‘The Rebels of Horology’ at Dubai Watch Week

Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons is set to host a rare exhibition, ‘The Rebels of Horology’ in collaboration with a select number of the world’s finest independent watch brands during the inaugural Dubai Watch Week (DWW). The exhibition will celebrate recent innovations by legendary independent watchmakers including Bovet, Cabestan, De Bethune, Greubel Forsey, Hautlence, Laurent Ferrier, MB & F, H. Moser & Cie, Richard Mille and Urwerk S.A. The five-day event will start from 19th to 21st October at Opera Gallery in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).

2nd edition of Salon des Grandes Complications to take place in November

The second edition of Salon des Grandes Complications is set to take place from 16th – 19th November 2015 at Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). Salon des Grandes Complications is a watchmaking exhibition concept designed to offer a platform for the fine watchmaking sector to engage with watch collectors and enthusiasts from across the region. The exhibition will feature timepieces by some of the world's most celebrated watchmakers and is set to thrill connoisseurs with several rare and limited edition pieces. Visitors will be offered insights into the highest level of watchmaking by both historically renowned manufactories and acclaimed modern-day independent watchmakers. Each brand will present their novelties and certain horological highlights and there will be live demonstrations by various watchmakers and engravers flown in especially for the exhibition. Sponsored by Audi Corporate, the event will take place in a perfect location in the heart of the region’s most vibrant city.

The Middle East Watch of the Year awards

The Middle East Watch of the Year Awards is a pioneering concept initiated and implemented by Arabian Watches & Jewellery magazine. Now on its eleventh edition, this region’s fine watch making gala awards ceremony will focus solely on the category of high-end timepieces. This Dubai based event will take place at the Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) on 19th November 2015 in conjunction with the Salon des Grandes Complications. The mission of the Watch of the Year awards gala is to recognize and reward excellence, creativity, and the will to strive for perfection in the world of fine watch making.

The Middle East Jewellery of the Year awards

The 11th annual Middle East Jewellery of the Year Awards will be presented alongside the prestigious Jewellery Arabia 2015 at a glittering gala reception to be held at the Four Seasons Hotel in the Kingdom of Bahrain on 23rd of November 2015. The awards ceremony will highlight and pay tribute to the latest trends and innovations in jewellery and high-end writing instruments.

Celebrity News

Jaeger-LeCoultre celebrates 10 years of sponsorship with the 72nd Venice International Film Festival

The 72nd Venice International Film Festival opening ceremony took place at Palazzo del Cinema in Venice hosted by Elisa Sednaoui. CEO Daniel Riedo attended the ceremony that Jaeger-LeCoultre partners for the 10th year in a row.

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