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    How Wind Rises CEO’s unwavering love of the sport led him to set up a yachting community

    Emirates Man

    by Camille Macawili
    1 hour ago

    Wind Rises brings a newfound approach to exploring the city.
    Here, founder and CEO Max Pinigin shares with Emirates Man how his unwavering love of the sport led him to set up a yachting community in Dubai.
    What do the first 30 minutes of your day look like, your morning routine?
    My morning routine typically begins around 9-10am, with a swift response to work emails followed by catching up on the latest news. Only after that do I indulge in a refreshing shower and a hearty breakfast.
    Talk us through your career journey. How did your sailing passion begin?
    My passion for sailing unexpectedly ignited during a university camping trip. One of my friends invited me to join them on a boat, and despite my lack of prior experience, I eagerly accepted the invitation. Initially bewildered by the intricacies of sailing, I soon found myself captivated by the experience. Obtaining my licence swiftly, I embraced the role of assistant captain, immersing myself in the mechanics of the vessel. The allure of sailing as a unique recreational pursuit dawned upon me, igniting a desire to share this newfound joy with others.

    Wind Rises offers a unique outdoor experience with its offerings. Tell us more about the concept.
    Delve deeper into the concept, and you’ll find our unwavering commitment to promoting sailing in Russia and beyond for over 15 years. Sailing offers a myriad of experiences, from forging new connections to unwinding amidst the serene waters, engaging in physical activity, and simply enjoying life to the fullest.
    For first timers, what does that experience look like? And does it require an extraordinary level of fitness?
    No physical skills are necessary to embark on this adventure. Regardless of your sailing expertise, all you need are gloves, comfortable footwear, and sunscreen. Our instructors will guide you through the rest, with gloves readily available at our facility.
    What are the benefits and skill set you acquire with sailing?
    Sailing fosters self-discipline and emotional resilience, essential traits for navigating through challenging situations with composure and decisiveness. Moreover, it emphasises teamwork, as every voyage is a collaborative effort where crew members collectively steer the vessel towards its destination.
    Max Pinigin, Founder and CEO of Wind Rises
    It’s the first of its kind in Dubai. How did you achieve setting the business up in such a location?
    Venturing into a new market was a daunting yet exhilarating endeavour. While contemplating locations like Istanbul and Barcelona, we ultimately set our sights on Dubai. Though the journey proved to be more arduous and resource-intensive than anticipated, the experience has been immensely rewarding. As we witness our vision taking shape and attracting diverse individuals, we revel in the journey’s progress.

    “Our mission is deeply rooted in inclusivity and accessibility. We strive to demystify yachting and sailing, making it accessible to individuals from all walks of life”

    Were there challenges in setting this up and how did you overcome it?
    Our aspirations encountered unforeseen delays during the company registration, account setup, and boat procurement stages. Additionally, the endeavour demanded a greater financial investment than initially projected.

    Sailing is perceived as a sport for the affluent and Wind Rises enables everyone an opportunity to experience it with its affordable pricing. Was this the plan from the outset?
    Our mission is deeply rooted in inclusivity and accessibility. We strive to demystify yachting and sailing, making it accessible to individuals from all walks of life. Rejecting the elitist narrative, we celebrate sailing as a vibrant community, enriching lives through shared experiences on the open water.
    Throughout your career, what has been the most remarkable sailing memory?
    Among my most cherished memories is navigating a sizable catamaran with two companions and weathering a storm in Cartagena.
    This is The Summer Escape Issue – where will you be escaping to this summer?
    This summer, my wanderlust beckons me to explore the breathtaking landscapes of Kamchatka and Japan, envisioning encounters with unparalleled natural beauty.
    Emirates Man The Summer Escape Issue – Download Now
    – For more on how to look smart and live smarter, follow Emirates Man on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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    The Free Spirit – The Summer Escape Issue with Tania Santos Silva

    Life

    by Amy Sessions
    2 hours ago

    VIEW GALLERY/ 7 IMAGES
    For our July/August cover, we champion Tania Santos Silva in The Free Spirit.
    A businesswoman that knows how to still leave room for the freedom that enhances her creativity, we have admired Silva’s fierce independence and vibrancy for life along with her sharp mind and quick wit. A truly incredible EW woman.
    How do you balance your business side and creativity?
    On and off, I connect and disconnect. It’s hard but doable to be focused on the business and its daily management and be creative simultaneously. It’s like two sides of the same coin. It’s almost like mastering self-control; it’s a daily effort, sometimes exhausting, but the results are super rewarding.
    You have multiple businesses – are you driven by an entrepreneurial mindset, and what is your latest venture?
    I do; sometimes I wonder why!!! But this buzz inside me tests me and pushes me to do more and become more. I love to multitask; usually, my “ideas” come from my need to have something, and my last venture was just that. I hate to wear tampons or intimate pads during those monthly “hormonal” days, especially if I’m going to the beach… so after some lengthy research for the right technology I launched MaiSwim. This is not just another leak-proof swimwear because there are a few already, it’s sustainable, has cool, clean designs and we even support the cleaning of the oceans with every order. I’m super proud of the concept and the team. We launched only last month, and of course, it’s made in Portugal.
    How do you know when to push forward and when to give yourself space?
    I learned this very young as I’m an only child, so I had time alone. Now I adapt the learning to daily situations. I invest a lot in my sanity, from therapy to mindfulness, ice baths, and breathing techniques that help me build the emotional intelligence and insight I need. I love some “me time,” and being completely alone – it’s like food for the soul. This comes when my body talks to me and prepares me for the overwhelming emotions approaching; in those moments, I disconnect. Usually, I’m back on my feet within 24 hours feeling recharged.
    What have been the biggest signs you’re on the right track, and how have you learned to follow your gut?
    It’s unbelievable how cliché this is, but the gut is always right. I have a very close group of people who trust, invest in, and listen to me. That alone is invaluable and is the biggest sign that I must be doing things right.
    You’re able to think outside the box – have you always been able to do this, and how has it served you?
    Being able to think outside the box sometimes makes me “the odd one out,” I have to be honest, especially during my teenage years. I’m from a tiny city in Portugal, Coimbra. From a very young age, my closest friends told me: “You’re not a fish of this river” and that stuck with me. I’ve never let one opportunity go and I’m never afraid of leaving my comfort zone; you grow and truly evolve when you do step outside our comfort zone. My creative self still thinks outside the box – I adapt the thinking to the business without getting too emotional.
    What does freedom mean to you, and how do you create it for yourself?
    What is freedom? The dictionary says it’s the power or right to act, speak or think as one wants. But when my freedom violates others’ freedom, then it’s not freedom anymore. It’s exercising power. Freedom is love; freedom is to breathe, to travel wherever you want with whomever you want. Freedom is to hug and be hugged; freedom is sun and light, moon and darkness. Freedom to me means everything and nothing. I fight daily to adapt my freedom to my familyʼs freedom. That’s one of my biggest challenges.
    Where has been the best place you’ve visited globally, and why?
    I’ve been to so many places; I’m pretty lucky… but I have to say, Tibet. Landing in Lhasa is out of this world. The smiles I’ve seen there still fill my heart today. I went with my husband, we decided to visit Everest base camp before my pregnancy, and we did it. Some crazy and intense days of no potable water or shower, but reaching base camp at 5500 altitude at 5 am was all worth it. The sky there is different… I love this type of experience that pushes you to your limit. Next one? Summit Kilimanjaro.
    Where has been the place that has given you or your business the most growth?
    Well, I would say my second home country: Angola. I lived and worked there for almost ten years before moving to Dubai, and I still have a lot of family there. I grew so much in that professional environment, which is extra demanding for a woman, that I can face any professional environment honestly.
    This is The Summer Escape Issue – where will you be escaping to this summer?
    From Portugal to Porto Cervo in Italy, from Mallorca in Spain to Montreal in Canada. I will enjoy a bit of the other side of the world, take inspiration and insight from these places and breathe in new cultures. I never stop working obviously… we don’t have holidays when we work for ourselves!
    July/August’s – The Summer Escape Issue with Tania Santos Silva – Download Now 
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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    Insider tips from concierge teams on how to maximise your summer vacation

    Life

    by Camille Macawili
    19 mins ago

    We speak to some of the best concierge teams who go above and beyond to share insider tips on how to maximise your summer vacation.

    The Mark – New York, USA
    Our favourite quotes are “the answer is yes, what is your question” and “my only limitation is your imagination” which means that there are very few things that we DO NOT do for our guests at The Mark. From creating a Phantom of the Opera experience in our Penthouse all with original cast members to delivering a special breed of puppy from New York to Qatar – we have done it all!
    INSIDER TIP
    We personally love creating magical summer moments for our guests. From sailing along the Hudson River on the Mark Sailboat with delicious bites by Caviar Kaspia to taking a spin around Manhattan on our new Mercedes Benz e-bikes, we offer unique ways for our guests to experience this incredible city. For those travelling with their family, a picnic prepared from The Mark Restaurant by Jean-Georges which can be enjoyed in Central Park is a lovely afternoon activity – let The Mark Pedicab take you there! Our second tip is to explore the many outdoor summer concerts and stage performances at our neighboring Central Park. Few things are as enchanting as taking in a Shakespearean play or listening to New York Philharmonic perform outdoors on a warm summer evening.
    For more information, visit themarkhotel.com

    One&Only Reethi Rah – Maldives
    Our Guest Services team at One&Only Reethi Rah curates a fully personalized itinerary based on our guestsʼ preferences. This includes a range of intimate events such as private dining in iconic locations around the resort, as well as themed parties and celebrations for our guests and their loved ones or a bespoke prearrival experience.
    INSIDER TIP
    Get to know our local Maldivian colleagues! They are always eager to share stories about their culture, islands, and experiences; they are exclusive to your time here in the Maldives. Whenever possible, book your experiences ahead of time and consider reaching out directly to the resort. Take full advantage of our expertise so we can offer experiences and activities that you hadnʼt even thought of.
    For more information, visit oneandonlyresorts.com

    Anantara The Palm – Dubai, UAE
    The role of our concierge team involves performing a variety of personalised tasks and services aimed at delighting the hotel’s guests. In essence, we serve as the public face and a dependable resource for guests. As a seasoned concierge well-versed in local hidden treasures, we create tailored itineraries for guests.
    INSIDER TIP
    A customised city tour can be facilitated based on guest preferences. These could include a unique tour to the Museum of the Future, or should guests wish to explore the older parts of Dubai, the historic district of Al Bastakiya comes highly recommended or a walking tour to the Gold and Spice markets.
    For more information, visit anantara.com

    The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert – Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
    In addition to organising dinner reservations and providing recommendations that often involve private dinners amongst the dunes or atop of Al Wadi Tower accompanied by a transfer on a camel or via the 1952 vintage Land Rover to create a unique memorable experience, we also organize various exciting activities throughout the hotel from nature drives, wildlife adventures, to relaxing wellness treatments.
    INSIDER TIP
    Immerse yourself in unique nighttime adventures by participating in guided tours and nature walks, specifically designed to unveil the mesmerizing aspects of Ras Al Khaimah after dark. Engage in stargazing sessions, where you can admire the enchanting constellations while learning about the ancient navigation techniques employed by local Bedouins.
    For more information, visit ritzcarlton.com
    July/August’s – The Summer Escape Issue with Tania Santos Silva – Download Now 
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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    Exclusive: In the office with the Founders of Suited & Booted

    Emirates Man

    by Camille Macawili
    14 mins ago

    VIEW GALLERY/ 4 IMAGES
    Founders of Suited & Booted talk to Emirates Man about custom designing their space and how it reflects their brand.
    How long have you been in this space?
    We moved into this space in February 2020.
    Have you custom-built any bespoke pieces?
    Every detail of our Dubai showroom has been custom designed to create a truly exceptional experience for our clients. From the layout to the tailor-made display cabinets and shelves, the showroom is carefully arranged to highlight our finest garments and accessories – allowing our clients to appreciate the meticulous attention to detail that goes into each piece.
    How do you think the interior buys reflect yourselves and the brand?
    Each aspect of our showroom has been thoughtfully curated to reflect the essence of refined men’s tailoring. We have hand-picked pieces to create an atmosphere that is inviting and comfortable – using materials such as fine wood, rich leather, and polished metals to add a touch of luxury to the space.
    Describe your taste in three words.
    Classy, refined, and timeless.
    Emirates Man The Summer Escape Issue – Download Now
    – For more on how to look smart and live smarter, follow Emirates Man on Facebook and Instagram
    Photography by Ahmed Abdelwahab More