A Gentlemen’s Word

Opinions on the prevailing state of affairs

ON HARD WORK

Isn’t it funny how everything we think we covet changes over time to the point that we look back and smile at our wonderfully naive younger selves? We all experience this, with the process only accelerated by time, age, maturity, tragedy, loss – or in the case of now – a global pandemic that has forced us to re-evaluate our priorities.

You can’t fault the priorities of artist Sacha Jafri then who recently painted the largest canvas in the world in Dubai and now plans to raise over $30m to help those most in need. Through hard work and honest conviction Jafri has succeeded where the majority have failed and he can be proud of the journey he has created for himself.

ON TEAMWORK

We are all extremely privileged to live in the UAE, now more than ever before. It is a country that promotes tolerance and an overall acceptance of different viewpoints. But that acceptance is often taken for granted. The UK media has come down heavily, and quite unfairly, on Dubai for permitting influencers from the UK to visit Dubai. As a result of the irresponsible behaviour of those tourists who visited Dubai and then flashed their disdain for social-distancing protocols (in blatant violation of the rules in the emirate) while partying across social media, now the majority will not be able to visit families because of the minority few – we need to think more like a team to conquer this.

ON WATCHES

I was talking to a friend the other day and he explained, quite incorrectly, that he was advised – naturally by someone ill-equipped to be discussing watches in the first place – not to buy a Rolex as they are unreliable. I pointed out this was quite possibly the least smart thing I had ever heard. Rolex is a brand built on being reliable and an absolute tool watch.

Rolex, today, is also the ultimate status symbol. Anyone lucky enough to get a stainlesssteel sports Rolex is often flipping them, doubling their money overnight. The biggest problem the retailers now have is not how fast they can move stock, but who do they allot it to when they receive their limited consignment – always a great problem to have.

If you’re looking for alternatives at varying price points, you’d do well to look at Tudor (it is but a Rolex, isn’t it?). The Black Bay is one of the best watches out there, and their Pepsi to me is more like the original Rolex than their current Stainless Steel watch.

Then there’s tough-as-nails British independent brand Bremont; Breitling which has been steered through new territories under the leadership of marketing genius George Kern and now has timepieces at more affordable price points in order to capture a larger market share; IWC which features great in-house movements including a range of Pilot watches; Panerai – I genuinely believe everyone should own at least one of these; TAG Heuer – a young man’s watch, and by that I mean under 21; and Oris – an honest hard-working brand, with great dive watches, that will not let you down.

ON PURCHASE POWER

The one thing that the lockdown has taught us is that comfort is key and you don’t need to wear a work shirt for the whole day – only on Zoom meetings. However, make sure you have a few in your home-office so that you rotate them. I reckon you can now get 2-3 weeks with four shirts, if you’re smart.

Don’t bother getting measured up for any suits at the moment though, as like many your body shape has probably changed over the last 12 months due to inactivity. I bumped into my tailor the other day and he said, “Wow, what happened to you?” I tried to point out that culturally that type of comment is not always well received. He laughed and said, “Don’t worry, we will wait until you get back in shape.” Speaking of which, there are a few things we should all own at home – dumbbells and a bench being two musthaves. You can’t go wrong by going straight to Technogym and their state-of-the-art gym equipment. It really is the bee’s knees. As we all have the luxury of leaving our homes, may I suggest you invest in an expensive cycle and join the Middle-Aged Men in Lycra tribe.

ON EPICURE

Day-to-day, I tend to look at food more as fuel. Not that I am a top athlete, moreover that unless I am cooking for someone else I genuinely don’t have the interest in cooking something nice for just for myself. I was recently invited to a lunch at LPM and the experience was very similar to Covid recovery when you suddenly realise that your taste buds have returned. The food from start to finish was exceptional. I have never eaten a lamb chop quite as good and don’t get me started on the cheesecake. I am sure this is not how LPM is looking to sell itself. Since they now deliver, I’ll be ordering their lamb chops by the bucket load.

ON CARS

The auto industry is going through something of a revolution right now as we open our eyes to the world of future mobility. But what does that really mean to me, the driver? The first question I ask myself is if I drive to Saudi in my brand new over-priced EV, can I get back? The simple answer is no as there aren’t yet enough charging stations between here and there. However, if I use my car for driving to Abu Dhabi or Hatta, I can find a growing number of charging options and have a less nervous time driving in a fully-charged vehicle. As more EVs hit the market and car manufacturers start to have greater economies of scale with their battery production, the cost of these cars will also come down. But for now, you must pay a premium, but at least sleep easier knowing that you are doing your bit for the environment. One question does linger, what do the companies do with the old batteries and is there an environmentally acceptable way of disposing off these seven years down the line (and don’t even get me started on the carbon emissions generated in manufacturing and transporting these batteries worldwide)?

Lastly, has anyone noticed how certain friends or family members seem to have earned their degree in pharmacology overnight? Unfortunately, their unsolicited – sometimes dangerous – vaccine logic is based on hearsay or what they think they heard in the pub. Ignore the chatter, respect the science. Stay safe, get vaccinated.