Ambition, creativity, and relentless innovation-just three words to describe the skyline of Dubai. And all this is thanks to the work of Robert Booth-a seasoned veteran of the property industry who has played a pivotal role in shaping iconic architecture in the emirate. From leading monumental projects at Emaar Properties to founding Ellington Properties, Booth has continually redefined luxury and community living. His story represents how vision, expertise, and passion for design can shape cities into icons around the world.

Robert Booth was associated with Dubai since 2001 when he started working with Emaar Properties. In the intervening years, he led several of the company’s biggest projects, such as Downtown Dubai, where the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa, is situated. Booth’s influence extended beyond hiring. Emaar did fantastic work integrating residential, retail, and hotel components within his leadership into an urban masterpiece of cohesion. Now with 40,000 residential units in iconic developments like Arabian Ranches, The Greens, Emirates Living, and Dubai Marina, Dubai has become the heart of luxury living.

Success with Emaar was not just the number of projects but also the vision transformation. Each development came out with an intricate interplay between innovation and the creation of community. What started as a benchmark of suburban living in Arabian Ranches transformed the urban experience at Dubai Marina. His delivering of not just homes but lifestyle experiences elevated Emaar’s projects to global standards.

In 2014, Booth started his new page by co-founding Ellington Properties, driven solely by his passion to produce homes where design and community would always be at heart. Unlike other real estate businesses, Ellington derives its strength from the skill and beauty of its build while ensuring that discerning residents look for more than a roof over their head. His management has led to strategic expansion for the firm evident in developments like Belgravia, Eaton Place, and Wilton Terraces, characterized by designs that are timeless and of great quality.

Ellington Properties has won its niche in the market as a place of art expression and functionality. Every development stands testament to Booth’s philosophy on spaces inspiring and nurturing. He mentions thoughtful layouts, superior materials, and his commitment to sustainability as reason enough to win him kudos as a pioneer of design-led homes. It is much more than aesthetic philosophy, as he brings living communities that make life vibrant and add value in the long run.

Booth’s journey reflects a deep understanding of Dubai’s evolution as a global city. His work has seamlessly blended luxury with practicality, modernity with tradition. Beyond real estate, his contributions have also shaped the city’s cultural and social fabric, influencing how residents and visitors experience Dubai.

Such leadership is a testament not only to innovation in the real estate industry but also as a benchmark for subsequent developments in Dubai and more broadly. As the skyscrapers rise and neighborhoods bloom, Robert Booth will forever be an architect of dreams.

Mark Beer OBE is a name associated with excellence in judicial and legal actions. Having been the co-chief executive registrar general at the Dubai International Financial Centre Courts, he has played a key role in changing the landscape of commercial courts globally. Beer has, through his visionary leadership, innovative strategies, and relentless commitment to justice, put the DIFC Courts on the world map as one of the most efficient and trusted judicial institutions for businesses across the globe.

The DIFC Courts, established in 2004, were initially envisioned as a legal foundation for Dubai’s financial free zone. Over the years, the courts expanded their jurisdiction to handle cases involving entities outside the DIFC, making them a preferred choice for commercial dispute resolution. Under Beer’s stewardship, the courts transitioned from serving regional interests to becoming a global model for judicial efficiency and transparency.

Beer’s strategic moves transformed the DIFC Courts into a reliable venue for high-stakes commercial cases. His integration of modern legal technology, streamlining of processes, and building of international partnerships raised the courts to international standards as one of the top three commercial courts in the world. One of Mark Beer’s greatest strengths was innovation. Recognizing the significance of technology in modern legal systems, he advocated for the use of tools such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and e-services. This improved accessibility and efficiency in courts; thus, businesses from across the globe could settle their disputes without any physical bounds.

Beer’s vision extended beyond operational efficiency. He strongly advocated for hyper-connectivity between courts worldwide, thus allowing the easy enforcement of judgments across jurisdictions. This endeavour cemented DIFC Courts into a position of international prowess in promoting global legal cooperation. Mark Beer’s initiatives have been acknowledged locally to an international level. While working with the DIFC Courts, Mark gained the prestigious honour of an Officer of the British Empire (OBE) in the year 2013 and has been credited with pushing for judicial excellence and innovations.

Beer has collaborated with global organizations and governments, sharing his expertise to enhance judicial systems worldwide. He has been actively involved with initiatives like the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in promoting access to justice and strengthening institutions (SDG 16).

As a co-founder of the Deep Technology Dispute Resolution Lab at the University of Oxford, Beer continues to push boundaries in the intersection of law and technology. His current focus includes leveraging tools like AI and blockchain to create more efficient, transparent, and globally accessible legal systems. His thought leadership extends to advising governments and institutions, helping them modernize their judicial frameworks in line with global best practices.

In the quest to redefine the perception and delivery of justice, Beer emphasizes how future judicial systems should reflect factors of equity, accessibility, and the state of technological advancement.

Mark Beer’s influence is not just limited to the courtroom. He is an advocate for legal education and mentorship, often speaking to academic institutions and young professionals in order to inspire the next generation of legal leaders. His involvement in shaping policies and frameworks across continents reflects his commitment to building a world where justice is accessible to all, irrespective of geographical or economic barriers.

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.