Born on the picturesque Isle of Man, Colin Clague’s life is that of passion, perseverance, and unrelenting pursuit of culinary excellence. His mother was a skilled chef and an ardent home cook who set him up in the scents of local farming and fishing traditions during his early years. These roots sparked a lifelong love for food and fuelled his desire to share stories through dishes. Today, Colin is credited with Anatoliaan cuisine, breathing life into the most award-winning restaurant where tradition and innovation come together.

He enrolled straight out of school to attend catering college, where Colin started his culinary journey, deep into the professional world of cooking. He was working quite rigorously and soon made a move to London – one of the cities buzzing with gastronomic opportunities. Under some legendary chefs like Anton Mosimann and Sir Terence Conran, Colin honed his skills, gained exposure to different types of culinary styles, and so on.

Although early challenges, such as the rejection by the Royal Navy to be a cook, could not deter him, Colin’s determination never wavered. Years in London built his technical expertise and ignited his desire to explore global cuisines, paving the way for an adventurous career.

The 1990s marked a turning point for Colin as he entered the global culinary scene, with such pivotal roles as working as part of the pre-opening team of Dubai’s iconic Burj Al Arab. The ability to create ingredient-driven, modern dishes caught global attention. From working with Singapore’s Michelin-starred Pollen to helping craft the award-winning Zuma in London and Dubai, Colin’s career bloomed.

His time in Dubai was exceptionally transformative. After running all the celebrated restaurants such as Qbara and Jean-Georges, Colin’s work materialized in the opening of Rüya, an ebullient Anatolian restaurant concept under the D.ream Group. At Rüya, he redefining traditional Turkish dishes has been presenting them with more contemporary flair while retaining its authenticity. Rüya, which means “dream” in Turkish, very precisely embodies Colin’s approach on Anatolian cuisine. His dishes are a blend of ancient recipes with modern techniques, offering an unforgettable culinary journey to diners. Some of his signature dishes include marinated grilled octopus and Levrek, which is a sea bass sashimi. He uses fresh, high-quality ingredients and elegant presentation.

According to Colin, working at Rüya is like a dream realized—a platform where he can celebrate Anatolian heritage while infusing it with global influences. His philosophy is simple: let the ingredients shine, and let the story of the cuisine unfold naturally on the plate. Colin’s illustrious career has earned him accolades such as The Pro Chef Middle East’s “Chef of the Year.” However, what sets him apart is his ability to connect deeply with his craft. For him, every dish is a dialogue, combining the simplicity of fresh ingredients with the complexity of global culinary techniques.

When asked what inspires him, Colin credits his peers, mentors, and the diverse cultures he’s encountered during his travels. He remains a lifelong learner, constantly refining his art and sharing his knowledge with upcoming chefs.

From the Isle of Man to the streets of Dubai, Colin Clague’s journey epitomizes the power of passion and hard work. Now at Rüya, he continues to push the frontiers of Anatolian cuisine, proving that food is not just sustenance—it’s an experience, a story, and a celebration of heritage. For the aspiring chef and foodie, Colin’s journey becomes a testament to the unending possibilities in the gastronomic world.

Leadership in the financial sector calls for more than just knowledge, rather for vision, flexibility, and a deep understanding of the global markets. As the CEO of Citigroup’s Middle East operations, Atiq Ur Rehman exemplifies these qualities. Spanning over three decades of work with Citigroup, he has redefined the world of financial services in the region, paving the way for innovation, growth, and strengthened client relationships. This blog explores his remarkable journey, his impact on Citigroup’s operations, and how he continues to shape the financial landscape across the Middle East.

Atiq Ur Rehman joined Citigroup in 1984 as a management trainee in Pakistan, marking the start of a journey that would span continents and redefine banking practices. After moving to London in the 1990s, he played very important positions in the debt and capital markets divisions of the company worldwide. His ability to navigate financial environments earned him the recognition which led to him being elected as the CEO for the Middle East operation of Citigroup in 2009. His responsibilities later expanded into North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, showcasing his importance to the organization.

In his management position, Rehman has managed operations from 10 Arab countries that include the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. His key focus has been on relationship building with important investors such as the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and notable personalities such as Saudi Arabia’s Prince Alwaleed bin Talal. Under his leadership, Citigroup successfully avoided the financial pitfalls that marred other global banks in the corporate debt restructuring of Dubai. This reinforces its reputation for prudent risk management. His efforts also drove Citigroup’s re-entry into the Saudi Arabian market, highlighting his commitment to expanding the bank’s regional footprint. His strategic foresight has positioned Citigroup as a trusted partner for both government entities and private sector players.

Rehman has shown an aptitude to identify growth opportunities in emerging markets throughout his career. He has made a mark as a forward-thinking leader through his role in landmark infrastructure financing projects and acquisition deals. As CEO, he has directed Citigroup’s global expertise toward meeting the unique needs of Middle Eastern clients and ensuring sustainable growth and innovation in the region.

Rehman’s leadership extends beyond operational success. He has cultivated a culture of excellence within Citigroup, emphasizing transparency, client-centricity, and innovation. His influence is evident in the bank’s ability to adapt to evolving market dynamics while maintaining its commitment to ethical banking practices.

Despite his demanding job, Rehman remains rather down-to-earth in personal life. He is a married man with four children, and he credits all of them for the much-needed support that helped him excel at work. His academic background-MBA-and practical experience serve as an excellent combination through which he can easily drive the complexities of modern banking.

Citigroup continues to grow under Rehman’s leadership with a focus on regional partnerships and embracing digital transformation. He makes sure that the bank remains at the forefront of innovation in the Middle East’s financial sector through technology and adapting to regulatory changes.

Amir Kolahzadeh, Founder and CEO of IT Sec, is an innovation beacon in this constantly evolving cybersecurity space. While data breaches and digital threats make headlines daily, Amir Kolahzadeh’s leadership ensures organizations stay alert and ready for such attacks. Since founding IT Sec in 2013, he has leveraged over 20 years of technological expertise to create a company that not only provides cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions but also empowers businesses with the knowledge and tools to safeguard their digital environments.

With Kolahzadeh’s guidance, IT Sec is becoming the trusted name in consultancy and training in information security. The firm provides integrated services, including risk management, data breach prevention, incident response, and disaster recovery. Through advanced technology and human expertise, IT Sec has successfully helped organizations tackle complex cybersecurity challenges by strengthening defences and reducing risk.

Kolahzadeh has been in the cybersecurity sector since the time when digital transformation was at its peak. He founded IT Sec with the mission of guiding businesses in the complexities of digital security. His strategic foresight and commitment have catapulted the company to a position of leadership in the cybersecurity industry, making it a trusted partner for organizations in the GCC and beyond.

IT Sec’s services are not limited to reactive measures; they focus heavily on proactive strategies. From providing intelligence to training teams on the latest security practices, Kolahzadeh ensures that his clients are always a step ahead of potential threats. This holistic approach has earned IT Sec a reputation for delivering reliable and innovative solutions that align with the unique needs of each client.

Cybersecurity has emerged as a major concern in a region where digital transformation is rapidly advancing. According to Kolahzadeh, who spoke at the 2023 Intersec trade fair, this is an area where GCC organizations are significantly behind their global counterparts. The lack of urgency puts them at risk of cyberattacks that could compromise sensitive data and disrupt operations.

Kolahzadeh’s candid observations underscore the necessity of inculcating a cybersecurity culture. Through his work in IT Sec, he has been advocating to organizations on adopting a proactive approach where regular assessments, robust security protocols, and continuous training of employees are necessary. He is categorical that cybersecurity does not remain a one-time investment but a continuous process that calls for vigilance and flexibility. Kolahzadeh, through his leadership, believes that educating and empowering the employees in an organization is one of his core competencies. To him, an informed employee is the first line of defence for any company from cyber threats. The programs are provided by IT Sec to enable the employees to acquire all the skills and knowledge that would help them identify risks and respond to them correctly.

IT Sec offers professional workshops and seminars tailored specifically to the needs of the IT professional. These initiatives reflect Kolahzadeh’s belief in the transformative power of education and his dedication to building a resilient cybersecurity ecosystem. Amir Kolahzadeh’s influence extends beyond IT Sec. As a thought leader in cybersecurity, he has played a pivotal role in shaping industry standards and fostering collaboration among stakeholders. His insights and expertise have continued to make him a sought-after speaker at global forums; he continues to advocate more robust cybersecurity measures and alertness to emerging threats.

Kolahzadeh is not only protecting businesses from cyber risks but also driving the culture toward greater accountability and preparedness. His vision for a secure digital future resonates with organizations of all industries, making him a trailblazer against cybercrime.

Amir Kolahzadeh’s journey is one of a testament to vision, innovation, and tenacity. As the CEO of IT Sec, he has redefined the cybersecurity practice, empowering businesses to flourish in an increasingly digital world. His relentless pursuit of excellence and unwavering commitment to his mission make him a true leader in the industry, ensuring that organizations are not only prepared for today’s challenges but also equipped to face the uncertainties of tomorrow.