HOTTEST
Life
by Sarah Joseph
3 hours agoAs Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority and member of the Dubai Council celebrates her birthday this month, we look at the most meaningful quotes she has shared with the UAE.
Besides being a role model to many, she constantly aspires to build an environment that’s conducive to empowering women and uplifting Dubai’s creative arts scene.
To mark this special occasion, Emirates Woman digs through the archives to bring to light some of Sheikha Latifa’s most profound quotes about Dubai, women empowerment, collaboration and more.
On moving towards a creative economyThis month Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, attended the first ever graduation ceremony of the Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI) which was held at Dubai’s Museum of the Future.
As graduates completed the region’s first integrated bachelor’s degree in Design, Sheikha Latifa said “The graduation of the first Bachelors of Design class from DIDI represents another milestone in our progress toward a new vibrant creative economy.”
“DIDI, the first multidisciplinary design programme in the Middle East of its kind, is one of the many pioneering programmes that encapsulate Dubai’s forward-looking spirit. For us to achieve our ambition for Dubai’s creative economy, we need to make sure the infrastructure and the right programmes and institutions are in place for future and current creatives to develop, grow and flourish,” she highlighted at the ceremony.
On Dubai becoming a growing hub for knowledge enthusiastsAt the inauguration of the Big Bad Wolf Books exhibition held between April 14 to 24, 2022, Sheikha Latifa toured the event and shared her positive feedback. With over 190 nationalities present across all fields including scientific, literary and humanitarian, this exhibition was launched to promote the concept of exchanging information.
During the event, she said, “A strong culture of reading enables members of society to make significant contributions to the development of the Arab region and the advancement of their countries, in addition to driving creativity and innovation in various fields.”
On collaboration
With a major focus on enhancing the emirate’s cultural ecosystem, Sheikha Latifa has always laid emphasis on exploring different forms of collaboration.
“Collaboration is integral to building a thriving creative and cultural sector,” she said during the World Conference on Creative Economy 2021 (WCCE) last year.
She highlighted how Dubai Culture actively focuses on sustainable initiatives that make it a game-changer in the region. Through new collaborations, Dubai Culture is becoming a leading centre for blending artistic, educational and technological activities in the city.
On the thriving artistic sceneAs global and regional talent continues to be at the helm of Dubai’s burgeoning art scene, Sheikha Latifa shared how Dubai Culture continues to nurture and grow this sector on a daily basis.
“Everything I do within the Culture and Arts Authority is geared towards supporting the industry, is geared towards taking our creatives to a global stage, where they can be recognised internationally,” she told CNN in a previous interview.
“A thriving cultural scene is actually a sign of a very stable country, a thriving country, a stable government.”
On turning a vision into reality
Dubai culture officially launched on March 8, 2008, under the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Showcasing the growth of the initiative, Sheikha Latifa launched ‘Dubai’s Culture & Heritage’ project on Google Arts & Culture, which she outlined was thanks to the innovation and foresight of her father.
“Thanks to the vision and guidance of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai now holds a distinguished position on the global creative map,” she said. “We are proud that the city has truly become a global centre for arts, culture and creativity, a place where we empower and enable our home-grown talents, and welcome creatives from all over the world, offering them a home where they can thrive on a professional and personal level.”
On praising the future generations
As the Dubai arts and culture scene continues to flourish and grow, there’s a continuous stream of emerging talent and it’s something Her Highness is championing with the Global Grad Show, of which Dubai Culture is a strategic partner.
With the launch of the event last year, Sheikha Latifa said: “Through the efforts of the thousands of brilliant young minds who engage with the program every year, a better future is being shaped, and enabling their growth means creating a more prosperous society for everyone. From Dubai we can all contribute to a better future.”
On female empowermentSheikha Latifa is consistently empowering women here in the UAE and across the globe, and it’s something she continues to highlight. Back in 2020 at the Global Forum Dubai, Her Highness emphasised the importance of supporting women.
“It’s important to support women in whatever they want to do,” she said. “I believe the support of the government is crucial in driving women forward. I see women continuing to go from strength to strength.”
As she continues to foster her role at Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, she’s constantly vouching for women to achieve great things and to receive more opportunities in the country to flourish.
– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Images: Supplied & Feature image: Instagram @latifamrm1 MoreLife
by Ruman Baig
15 mins agoRecently, restaurateur Samyukta Nair opened the doors of her first restaurant, Jamavar, in Dubai. After successfully leading the charge of a number of restaurants in London, Samyukta is all set to expand her portfolio in the Middle East.
In the Visionary Issue for September, the popular Indian restaurateur talks about her legacy, the journey of merging heritage, design and culinary innovation across global markets.How has your background influenced your approach to business and design?
My bachelor’s degree in Sociology with Psychology enabled me to undertake an M.Sc. in International Business from The University of Nottingham and springboard to doing an Executive MBA degree from Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne, Switzerland. Looking back, these versatile disciplines enabled me to gain a subliminal understanding of the way the world works, develop a deep appreciation for its diversity and culture and hone my entrepreneurial spirit.
Your transition from the Head of Design and Operations at The Leela to launching your own luxury sleepwear label and then opening several restaurants is intriguing. What motivated this shift, and what were some of the initial challenges you faced?
I feel incredibly lucky that one practice fed into the other even at the most fundamental level of family conversation, which has been a huge source of inspiration. I remember my father and grandfather at the dinner table, the discussions ranging from the new trends in hospitality, food, fashion to world politics – it was the best kind of education one could hope for. While the legacy established by my forebears is incredible, I was always left yearning to create something of my own. Very much like them here I am, now giving it all a shot with our collection of restaurants at LSL Capital namely, Jamavar, Bombay Bustle, MiMi Mei Fair, KOYN & Socca, co-founded with my father Dinesh. I guess you can call it coming a full circle. I’d have to admit the transition seemed natural but quick and the hardest part has been leaving home, moving to London and making it on my own. However, I am incredibly grateful to have an amazing team, work alongside wonderful collaborators and grateful for the opportunity to be able to do what I do and showcase them on the world’s culinary stage, which as we begin a new chapter in Dubai is even more exciting. Truth be told, I often fall but pick myself by the bootstraps and run along with the show.
How has your family legacy shaped your vision and values in the hospitality industry?
From many memories and moments spent at the dining table, I noticed that my family had a deeply sophisticated way of thinking about hospitality and design, and while it is publicly visible in The Leela Palaces Hotels & Resorts – an Indian chain of hotels they founded, it was also evident in small, perfect things – the way my grandfather, Captain Nair, wore a pocket square or how my grandmother, Leela, served up a storm against the backdrop of a perfectly laid table. I learned from my father to appreciate food and flavour, but also that it’s best served with a side of warmth. Bless my mother for being the best teacher I could have asked for and sharing with me her discernment in taste and attention to detail. Early on I was taught that if you don’t stand for something you are going to fall for everything and that has been a guiding principle that enabled me to really take the time to develop a point of a view. Especially in a world like today to be your authentic self and put forward a body of work that resonates with you deeply is akin to art. For me, the only way I know it is if you live it and breathe it, it’s a lot easier to be it.
Each of your restaurant ventures has a distinct identity and culinary focus – how are these defined from concept to creation?
Every concept begins as an idea that comes up in conversation between my father and I, usually over a meal. As a family we enjoy eating a range of cuisines, many of them rooted in memories from our time spent in New York during my growing years. Food is always the starting point and finding the right talent and space to creatively translate our vision is front and centre. Fleshing this out further from an idea into a concept is nothing but a labour of love – one that I spend months obsessing over with my incredible creative and operational teams. When you value authenticity as much as we do at LSL Capital, paying attention to details becomes important – that’s where the magic lies. Your restaurants are known for their exceptional design and atmosphere.
How do you balance a focus on gastronomy with aesthetics?
For me, thoughtfully designed spaces are important but really make an impact if complemented with decadent food and gracious service. Finding an expression of design that is complementary to a dining experience is what we always strive towards. Especially true in an era where more is more, true power really lies in the edit. You are about to launch Jamavar Dubai, expanding your portfolio in the Middle East. What attracted you to the region? We are incredibly excited to be bringing Jamavar to Dubai’s culinary stage and can’t wait to open doors to our new home on The Boulevard by The Opera on the 30th of August. The Middle East is home to a burgeoning food scene and is a growing hub for hospitality concepts. The forefront of my endeavour is to be able to build a supportive community as we have in London that will enable us to take the essence of Indian hospitality as we know it to the rest of the world.
How do you plan to adapt Jamavar’s fine dining experience to suit the cultural and culinary preferences of the Dubai clientele?
Jamavar has been popular with audiences in the Middle East as they have a sophisticated understanding of Indian food. The space itself remains inspired by the Viceroy’s home in New Delhi but makes references to India’s royal past with a palatial flair as it houses a boutique cocktail bar, an opulent dining hall and an intimate residential outdoor terrace. Signature Jamavar classics will feature on the menu, but being South Indian we have always wanted to explore that paradigm further, which under the leadership of Culinary Director Surender Mohan and Executive Head Chef Purushottam Naidu is what we are looking to do in Dubai.Can you share any insights or strategies you have developed to navigate the competitive and diverse market of the Middle East? And how is it different from the European market?
Hospitality is competitive, no matter what market you are in. Across brands, we prefer looking at our businesses from a glocal approach that allows us to think global in nature but act local especially when it comes to specific tastes and preferences.
How do you envision the future of your business portfolio?
I like to think of our portfolio as a collection of restaurants that serve up bespoke culinary experiences born out of my nostalgic memories with loved ones. First and foremost, I am excited to soon open doors to MiMi Mei Fair, our Chinese concept inspired by Empress MiMi’s travels as she makes her way to her home away from home, in Dubai in November.
As a successful female entrepreneur in a competitive industry, what advice would you give to aspiring businesswomen looking to make their mark in the hospitality industry?
No matter what, there is no shortcut for hard work. Staying focused on developing a clear understanding of what you want to do and how you want to do it will always serve better in the long run. You cannot do everything by yourself, putting together a good team and empowering them to make decisions is a winning strategy. Processes make the world go round and the glass ceiling exists only if you want it to.
This is the Visionary Issue, what’s your vision for the future?
While our systems improve and become more efficient in the day and age of AI, my only hope for the future is for hospitalityto continue to be a deeply personal experience filled with thoughtful touch points.
– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
September’s – The Visionary Issue – Download Now MoreIt goes without saying that 2020 has brought challenges that we never could have expected. In the wake of a devastating global pandemic, an unprecedented economic crisis, an unstable political climate, countless natural disasters, and widespread racial injustice, we at The Everygirl Media Group felt compelled more than ever before to be able to directly help our readers in need.
We are extremely excited to announce the creation of The Everygirl Media Group Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit, to better be able to respond to the needs and issues that are important to our team and our readers.
It is our goal to empower women and support them in times of need—and through this foundation, we can provide funding directly to the people and causes we wish to support.
The Everygirl and The Everymom brands were built around the desire to provide an online community for women to come and feel represented and supported and where they could find information, advice, and inspiration—whether that be for fashion and beauty, home decor, lifestyle, wellness, or career growth and financial decision-making.
The creation of The Everygirl Foundation allows us to take that support of our community to the next level through direct action. We have a few amazing initiatives launching before the end of the year, and we are so passionate about the opportunity to continue to grow the foundation and its programs in the years to come.
With that being said, we are incredibly excited to announce the foundation’s first initiative, made possible by a generous donation from La Marca Prosecco:The Everygirl and The Everymom have always sought to amplify the voices of women through the online platforms we have built. Many of the women in our community of readers are entrepreneurs and small business owners with excellent products and services to share with the world.
Our goal in creating these grants is to be able to support women who own small businesses and are looking for extra funding to take them to the next level. An Everygirl is career-driven, passionate, ambitious, and determined—and small businesses are often born from a small idea backed by someone with these traits. The creation of our grants allows us to lift up our online community of women entrepreneurs and help them follow their dreams through direct funding for their small businesses.
Four $5000 grants will be awarded to women who own small businesses or are pursuing entrepreneurial endeavors. Per our company’s values and efforts toward promoting diversity and inclusion, one of the four grants is reserved for a business owned by a BIPOC applicant.
Applications are open to the public—to be eligible, applicants must identify as women, be U.S. residents, and be 21 years of age or older. The four awardees will receive $5000 in business funding, as well as exposure through theeverygirl.com and The Everygirl’s social media channels.
Applications open TODAY, October 1, and will be accepted through Sunday, October 11 at 11:59pm CST. To learn more about the application/selection process, requirements, and timeline, click here.
Why This Grant Matters:
According to the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), there are 12.3 million women-owned businesses in the United States, generating about $1.8 trillion per year in revenue and employing 9.2 million people. Four out of every 10 U.S. businesses are owned by women, and the sector is growing quickly—the number of businesses owned by women has increased by 58 percent since 2007.
Businesses owned by Women of Color are growing especially quickly, making up 47 percent of all women-owned businesses and increasing by 163 percent between 2007 and 2018. Women of Color founded 64 percent of new women-owned businesses in 2017.
Yet, according to a report by Fundera, men are still 20 percent more likely than women to receive business financing and loans.
As women entrepreneurs ourselves, we can see a still-obvious gap in resources for women looking to get a business off the ground. By creating The Everygirl’s Women-Owned Business Grant, we hope to provide an opportunity for women business owners to receive the funding they might not be able to find elsewhere.
Celebrating Women, Celebrating You
The Everygirl’s Women-Owned Business Grant is powered by La Marca Prosecco, an elegant sparkling wine grown in the heart of Italy’s Prosecco region. La Marca Prosecco believes in celebrating the joy in everyday moments, including the tireless work that so many small business owners go through to make their dreams come true. A focus on career empowerment has always been part of The Everygirl’s mission, and La Marca Prosecco’s generous donation allows us to provide funding for women in business who are passionate about what they do.
We have previously partnered with La Marca Prosecco to present The Everygirls Rise Conference, a virtual event centered around empowering women—not only in life but also in their careers. The Everygirl’s Women-Owned Business Grant allows us to take this partnership between like-minded companies a step further by providing direct business funding to the women entrepreneurs who attend our conferences.
This grant is available to everyone—whether your business was impacted by the COVID-19 economic crisis, you are looking to invest in new equipment or employees, or you just need extra funding to take your business to the next level. We invite you to submit an application and encourage you to share this opportunity with any women you know that own a business.
We cannot wait to read your application and learn more about your business!
Sincerely,Alaina and Danielle MoreIf you ever needed the perfect excuse to indulge in some delicious French cuisine, this Tuesday, July 14 is the time to do it as it marks Bastille Day, the national day of France.
While Dubai is a good seven hours flight away from France, there are plenty of incredible French restaurants where you can celebrate right here in the region.Whether you fancy dining in, or dining from the comfort of your own home these French restaurants in Dubai have something on offer for everyone.
CouqleyThis quintessential Dubai-based French bistro is the ideal place to dine for some amazing cuisine, and from the 14th to the 18th of July restaurant-goers can end their meals on the ultimate high note. Couqley has created a limited-edition Charlotte Aux Framboises – a creamy raspberry mousse, wrapped in crispy lady finger biscuits and topped with fresh raspberries – available for Dhs43.
LPM Restaurant & BarIf you happen to be in DIFC on Tuesday, pop in for lunch at LPM Restaurant & Bar to take advantage of their new express menu. The two-course menu priced at Dhs135 per person is designed for guests to be served within 60 minutes. However, if you’d rather dine from home, choose from some of their most popular dishes for delivery on Deliveroo.
La Cantine du FaubourgIf you feel like going all out for Bastille Day, head down to La Cantine to take advantage for their set menu of classic French dishes for Dhs400 per person. This includes a starter, main course and dessert, as well as a bottle of red or white wine which can be shared between two people.
Bistro des ArtsFor the perfect grazing board, head to Bistro des Arts in Dubai Marina for their master planche. For Dhs199 for two people to share, enjoy a selection of charcuterie and cheese, plus a bottle of De Marius.
– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
Feature Image: Supplied MoreCalling on the art enthusiasts… Andy Warhol and Banksy have made a name for themselves as some of the world’s most famous contemporary artists. You don’t need to be an art buff to know their names or be familiar with at least one of their art pieces. The two artists work can’t be described as traditional art, but […] More
Life
by Sarah Joseph
3 hours agoAs Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority and member of the Dubai Council celebrates her birthday this month, we look at the most meaningful quotes she has shared with the UAE.
Besides being a role model to many, she constantly aspires to build an environment that’s conducive to empowering women and uplifting Dubai’s creative arts scene.
To mark this special occasion, Emirates Woman digs through the archives to bring to light some of Sheikha Latifa’s most profound quotes about Dubai, women empowerment, collaboration and more.
On moving towards a creative economyThis month Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, attended the first ever graduation ceremony of the Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI) which was held at Dubai’s Museum of the Future.
As graduates completed the region’s first integrated bachelor’s degree in Design, Sheikha Latifa said “The graduation of the first Bachelors of Design class from DIDI represents another milestone in our progress toward a new vibrant creative economy.”
“DIDI, the first multidisciplinary design programme in the Middle East of its kind, is one of the many pioneering programmes that encapsulate Dubai’s forward-looking spirit. For us to achieve our ambition for Dubai’s creative economy, we need to make sure the infrastructure and the right programmes and institutions are in place for future and current creatives to develop, grow and flourish,” she highlighted at the ceremony.
On Dubai becoming a growing hub for knowledge enthusiastsAt the inauguration of the Big Bad Wolf Books exhibition held between April 14 to 24, 2022, Sheikha Latifa toured the event and shared her positive feedback. With over 190 nationalities present across all fields including scientific, literary and humanitarian, this exhibition was launched to promote the concept of exchanging information.
During the event, she said, “A strong culture of reading enables members of society to make significant contributions to the development of the Arab region and the advancement of their countries, in addition to driving creativity and innovation in various fields.”
On collaboration
With a major focus on enhancing the emirate’s cultural ecosystem, Sheikha Latifa has always laid emphasis on exploring different forms of collaboration.
“Collaboration is integral to building a thriving creative and cultural sector,” she said during the World Conference on Creative Economy 2021 (WCCE) last year.
She highlighted how Dubai Culture actively focuses on sustainable initiatives that make it a game-changer in the region. Through new collaborations, Dubai Culture is becoming a leading centre for blending artistic, educational and technological activities in the city.
On the thriving artistic sceneAs global and regional talent continues to be at the helm of Dubai’s burgeoning art scene, Sheikha Latifa shared how Dubai Culture continues to nurture and grow this sector on a daily basis.
“Everything I do within the Culture and Arts Authority is geared towards supporting the industry, is geared towards taking our creatives to a global stage, where they can be recognised internationally,” she told CNN in a previous interview.
“A thriving cultural scene is actually a sign of a very stable country, a thriving country, a stable government.”
On turning a vision into reality
Dubai culture officially launched on March 8, 2008, under the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Showcasing the growth of the initiative, Sheikha Latifa launched ‘Dubai’s Culture & Heritage’ project on Google Arts & Culture, which she outlined was thanks to the innovation and foresight of her father.
“Thanks to the vision and guidance of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai now holds a distinguished position on the global creative map,” she said. “We are proud that the city has truly become a global centre for arts, culture and creativity, a place where we empower and enable our home-grown talents, and welcome creatives from all over the world, offering them a home where they can thrive on a professional and personal level.”
On praising the future generations
As the Dubai arts and culture scene continues to flourish and grow, there’s a continuous stream of emerging talent and it’s something Her Highness is championing with the Global Grad Show, of which Dubai Culture is a strategic partner.
With the launch of the event last year, Sheikha Latifa said: “Through the efforts of the thousands of brilliant young minds who engage with the program every year, a better future is being shaped, and enabling their growth means creating a more prosperous society for everyone. From Dubai we can all contribute to a better future.”
On female empowermentSheikha Latifa is consistently empowering women here in the UAE and across the globe, and it’s something she continues to highlight. Back in 2020 at the Global Forum Dubai, Her Highness emphasised the importance of supporting women.
“It’s important to support women in whatever they want to do,” she said. “I believe the support of the government is crucial in driving women forward. I see women continuing to go from strength to strength.”
As she continues to foster her role at Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, she’s constantly vouching for women to achieve great things and to receive more opportunities in the country to flourish.
– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Images: Supplied & Feature image: Instagram @latifamrm1 MoreLife
by Ruman Baig
15 mins agoRecently, restaurateur Samyukta Nair opened the doors of her first restaurant, Jamavar, in Dubai. After successfully leading the charge of a number of restaurants in London, Samyukta is all set to expand her portfolio in the Middle East.
In the Visionary Issue for September, the popular Indian restaurateur talks about her legacy, the journey of merging heritage, design and culinary innovation across global markets.How has your background influenced your approach to business and design?
My bachelor’s degree in Sociology with Psychology enabled me to undertake an M.Sc. in International Business from The University of Nottingham and springboard to doing an Executive MBA degree from Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne, Switzerland. Looking back, these versatile disciplines enabled me to gain a subliminal understanding of the way the world works, develop a deep appreciation for its diversity and culture and hone my entrepreneurial spirit.
Your transition from the Head of Design and Operations at The Leela to launching your own luxury sleepwear label and then opening several restaurants is intriguing. What motivated this shift, and what were some of the initial challenges you faced?
I feel incredibly lucky that one practice fed into the other even at the most fundamental level of family conversation, which has been a huge source of inspiration. I remember my father and grandfather at the dinner table, the discussions ranging from the new trends in hospitality, food, fashion to world politics – it was the best kind of education one could hope for. While the legacy established by my forebears is incredible, I was always left yearning to create something of my own. Very much like them here I am, now giving it all a shot with our collection of restaurants at LSL Capital namely, Jamavar, Bombay Bustle, MiMi Mei Fair, KOYN & Socca, co-founded with my father Dinesh. I guess you can call it coming a full circle. I’d have to admit the transition seemed natural but quick and the hardest part has been leaving home, moving to London and making it on my own. However, I am incredibly grateful to have an amazing team, work alongside wonderful collaborators and grateful for the opportunity to be able to do what I do and showcase them on the world’s culinary stage, which as we begin a new chapter in Dubai is even more exciting. Truth be told, I often fall but pick myself by the bootstraps and run along with the show.
How has your family legacy shaped your vision and values in the hospitality industry?
From many memories and moments spent at the dining table, I noticed that my family had a deeply sophisticated way of thinking about hospitality and design, and while it is publicly visible in The Leela Palaces Hotels & Resorts – an Indian chain of hotels they founded, it was also evident in small, perfect things – the way my grandfather, Captain Nair, wore a pocket square or how my grandmother, Leela, served up a storm against the backdrop of a perfectly laid table. I learned from my father to appreciate food and flavour, but also that it’s best served with a side of warmth. Bless my mother for being the best teacher I could have asked for and sharing with me her discernment in taste and attention to detail. Early on I was taught that if you don’t stand for something you are going to fall for everything and that has been a guiding principle that enabled me to really take the time to develop a point of a view. Especially in a world like today to be your authentic self and put forward a body of work that resonates with you deeply is akin to art. For me, the only way I know it is if you live it and breathe it, it’s a lot easier to be it.
Each of your restaurant ventures has a distinct identity and culinary focus – how are these defined from concept to creation?
Every concept begins as an idea that comes up in conversation between my father and I, usually over a meal. As a family we enjoy eating a range of cuisines, many of them rooted in memories from our time spent in New York during my growing years. Food is always the starting point and finding the right talent and space to creatively translate our vision is front and centre. Fleshing this out further from an idea into a concept is nothing but a labour of love – one that I spend months obsessing over with my incredible creative and operational teams. When you value authenticity as much as we do at LSL Capital, paying attention to details becomes important – that’s where the magic lies. Your restaurants are known for their exceptional design and atmosphere.
How do you balance a focus on gastronomy with aesthetics?
For me, thoughtfully designed spaces are important but really make an impact if complemented with decadent food and gracious service. Finding an expression of design that is complementary to a dining experience is what we always strive towards. Especially true in an era where more is more, true power really lies in the edit. You are about to launch Jamavar Dubai, expanding your portfolio in the Middle East. What attracted you to the region? We are incredibly excited to be bringing Jamavar to Dubai’s culinary stage and can’t wait to open doors to our new home on The Boulevard by The Opera on the 30th of August. The Middle East is home to a burgeoning food scene and is a growing hub for hospitality concepts. The forefront of my endeavour is to be able to build a supportive community as we have in London that will enable us to take the essence of Indian hospitality as we know it to the rest of the world.
How do you plan to adapt Jamavar’s fine dining experience to suit the cultural and culinary preferences of the Dubai clientele?
Jamavar has been popular with audiences in the Middle East as they have a sophisticated understanding of Indian food. The space itself remains inspired by the Viceroy’s home in New Delhi but makes references to India’s royal past with a palatial flair as it houses a boutique cocktail bar, an opulent dining hall and an intimate residential outdoor terrace. Signature Jamavar classics will feature on the menu, but being South Indian we have always wanted to explore that paradigm further, which under the leadership of Culinary Director Surender Mohan and Executive Head Chef Purushottam Naidu is what we are looking to do in Dubai.Can you share any insights or strategies you have developed to navigate the competitive and diverse market of the Middle East? And how is it different from the European market?
Hospitality is competitive, no matter what market you are in. Across brands, we prefer looking at our businesses from a glocal approach that allows us to think global in nature but act local especially when it comes to specific tastes and preferences.
How do you envision the future of your business portfolio?
I like to think of our portfolio as a collection of restaurants that serve up bespoke culinary experiences born out of my nostalgic memories with loved ones. First and foremost, I am excited to soon open doors to MiMi Mei Fair, our Chinese concept inspired by Empress MiMi’s travels as she makes her way to her home away from home, in Dubai in November.
As a successful female entrepreneur in a competitive industry, what advice would you give to aspiring businesswomen looking to make their mark in the hospitality industry?
No matter what, there is no shortcut for hard work. Staying focused on developing a clear understanding of what you want to do and how you want to do it will always serve better in the long run. You cannot do everything by yourself, putting together a good team and empowering them to make decisions is a winning strategy. Processes make the world go round and the glass ceiling exists only if you want it to.
This is the Visionary Issue, what’s your vision for the future?
While our systems improve and become more efficient in the day and age of AI, my only hope for the future is for hospitalityto continue to be a deeply personal experience filled with thoughtful touch points.
– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
September’s – The Visionary Issue – Download Now More
