My favourite things Khalid Shafar, product designer

▶ Selina Denman chats with Khalid Shafar, the first Emirati furniture designer to achieve international acclaim. Most recently, his signature Palm stools have been on show in Level Shoes in The Dubai Mall

After Dubai, my favourite city is Istanbul. I feel like I am balanced between east and west, and surrounded by history, while enjoying a lively lifestyle. I react positively to everything Turkish. When it comes to food, I can’t resist

khameer, a local bread made at home. I can eat as much as is available. Internationally, I enjoy a good kayseri manti, which is Turkish meat dumplings, and spicy salmon maki. My most treasured item is a Rolex watch that has belonged to my father for over 25 years. It is a great example of craftsmanship and a reminder of one of the most precious things in life: time.

An important book for me is It’s Not How Good You Are, It’s How Good You Want to Be by Paul Arden. Reading this book works as a constant reminder for me to aim for excellence and perfection, while having a clear vision. My favourite item in my wardrobe

right now is a newly acquired, black Hector bag by Thom Browne. I had been chasing it for over a year until I got my hands on one a couple of months ago. It’s a piece of art that I had to have. My favourite song is Habaytak Tansit

Nawm by Fairuz. I collect art and recently shifted my

focus to art photography. I have a vision to build a great photography collection and to start a foundation for photography. Maybe one day a museum as well! I also collect mugs from all the destinations I travel to and that my friends travel to. I have over 80 now. The best piece of advice I ever received was: ‘Never regret what you missed.’

The best part of my day is very early in the morning, when I start my day with my favorite sport, running, followed by a good breakfast. Then I head to the studio.

I have a vision to build a great photography collection and to start a foundation for photography