The 2018 id Design Awards
Full details of the winners and their projects from a celebration of design and architecture at Zabeel House by Jumeirah
Q: What’s your design philosophy? A: Great design is more than just good aesthetics. It needs beauty. Q: How do you define your unique selling point? A: The quality of our products is guaranteed thanks to the careful selection of high-quality raw materials from Italy and Europe, experienced staff and cutting-edge technology. What makes MAS stand apart from our competitors is the unique quality of our products and the confidence from customers that they are buying Italian quality and know-how. Q: What lessons have you learned as pioneers? A: The right people are worth everything. It’s almost impossible to build a successful business by yourself and so there must always be others alongside you, helping to achieve a long-term vision. I recognise the value of my staff. Ours is a family company; I want to be honest, kind, empathetic and professional - a role model to myself. Q: What has been MAS’ biggest challenge? A: One of the biggest challenges is being a small business in the industry. It is sometimes a challenge staying competitive when you are selling an Italian product and customers can buy a sub-standard product at lower cost. However, we receive fantastic feedback from customers that our price point is highly competitive and that our products are of the highest standard. Q: Of what are you most proud? A: I am very proud of the global growth of our company. Developing our brand globally and distributing our products to 22 countries worldwide is an amazing achievement for a family company. However, the milestones that I appreciate most are the personal achievements of my staff. I have more than 210 employees that are as close as family and many have been in our company for more than 20 years, some from the very start. Q: What do you like most about working in the UAE? A: The multiculturalism of the UAE. People are a source of diverse knowledge and experiences, and I love to hear their stories. Diversity can increase innovation, creativity and prosperity. Q: How do you see the market evolving? The UAE has elevated its status as a global destination for innovative design while also highlighting its commitment to sustainability. It is among the ten most competitive countries in the world, with the goal to remain a top destination for ease of doing business. With this support and encouragement for innovation, it helps drive the economy. Q: What’s next for MAS Paints? A: I want to have a company with not only amazing products and service but also one that pushes the boundaries of research and development. We will continue expanding our university programme, now offering a senior class course as well as the introductory course, in addition to continual sponsorship of several big design events in the UAE. Most importantly, we will expand our philanthropic work which is very important to me. We help Syrian refugees in any way we can and we are also sponsors of the Surge School Water Program here in Dubai. I think it is so important not to be pulled into the corporate machine and greed that has taken over parts of our lives.