I don't like posting early on @artdubai , as I prefer to see for myself and then leave people a chance to play and discover with naive eyes. But on day three I'd like to share some of the highlights of this edition from my point of view.
First of all, congratulations @hala_khayat_ and @artdubai team for putting up this special 20th anniversary edition, despite the fact that in current circumstances the whole world is rooting against us.
Some international galleries were not there, but still Art Dubau came out strong and I am sure this edition will be remembered and resonnate for a long time. The regional galleries showed impeccable.work and more limelight to régional artists and collectors.
A few of my highlights:
Loved the collection on show @thethirdlinedxb
The photographs from Farah al Qasimi were bright and nostalgic and conveyed many emotions.
No surprise, the installations by @kevork_mourad . Iconic in every way.
Loved the work by Siddhartha Kunti around the DNA of Oud. Visual representation of scent remains an area to explore. @ssk
The @diaazzawi works on show at @meemgallery . It was the moment I said wow.
Loved the paper works @ayyamgallery@efiegallery showed up strong, proud of you guys.
@nourmalas_@carbon12gallery loved the peace. A different color scheme, and bright and optimistic.
The digital art section.
The collectors collections
A few playful touches
Life is too short, so when there's a window of opportunity to see your lifelong friend... take it!
Spontaneous 3 days in Amsterdam with my buddy, bikes, museums, solo cafe time, and discovering a bright and beautiful new city.
This month has been a test.
In 4 weeks, we've alternate between Muscat, Dubai, Lyon, Paris, Dubai. Life went from peaceful to it s complicated. Istanbul, cancelled but so was the holiday.
Missile alerts.
Weather alters. House floods.
Living in a suitcase, cold and hot.
Distance learning... the kids were amazing
Work... how does one protect and keep going? Offense, Defense... remote, on site..
Family, people are worried, are you OK? Will you stay? Anxiety... but also resilience. We're good, we're safe.
Lebanon is crying. The news are going from bad to worse.
Lessons learnt : we are a strong unit of 4, people will help you along the way, each person one smile at a time and like with all uncertain situations, focus on the present, plan for the future, be flexible.
Home is calling.
See you on the other side. Smile through the chaos.
We dreamt it, went made it happen.
One fleeting evening of art, immersion, culture & scent.
Fragrances designed around 5 elemental pillars, embosying transformation in this magical cycle.
Ramadan Kareem, blessed lent, happy lunar new year...
A time of spirituality and metamorphosis.
Vessels of becoming. #Morphesis
@cplaromas_arabia@revalueconsulting@kanvas_dubai
Today marks my fifth year anniversary at CPL Aromas.
That's a good milestone, and a time to have an honest chat you and me about what that means, knowing that most relationships tend to last less than that!
I remember when Chris Pickthall and I first met. It was over breakfast, a nice open chat over fried eggs ans fruit. Little did I know this encounter would change my life.
When I was offered the opportunity to work as the General Manager for the Middle East division, I thought what a challenge, but also, finally the chance to run a business in the fragrance world, with values and ways of working that I can relate to and resonnate with. A little disruption never hurt anyone...
Was it easy? no. We went through a pandemic, a cyber attack, logistics issues, growth related problems, talent retention, all the usual change management related issues...
But... fast forward five years, we have a team I am most proud of, we are rocking the Middle East market and shaking the way business is done over here... And working with a dream team, dream clients, dream projects and dream perfumers...
Are we done? no, we're just getting started! Watch this space...
We escaped for two days to AlUla.
A miraculous moment suspended, like a time travelers, a desert dwellers discovering the traces of the Ancient Nabateans, visiting the frankincense trail and spice route of old. What a mythical place... on the traces of the pilgrimage, from Damascus to Hijaz, the old caravan roads.
We stayed for one night at @habitasalula , for a peaceful desert retreat, away from everything. My favourite thing being the Blue Lady statue called Najma, but Lita Albuquerque. New level of obsession unlocked. A place with art, peace and meditative impressive nature.
Then we had one night at the incredible @dartantora one of the most magical places on the planet. We stayed in a room that was once part of a village, that used to host families and homes. My dear friend @antonydoucet and his team did everything to make our stay nothing short of memorable, with a 2 star Michelin dinner experience and candle lit walks in the mysterious alleys of the place...
We kicked off a secret project... more to come about that later.
A lovely morning of learning and culture.
Connecting with beautiful like-minded women, all of them amazing in their way, all of them inspiring with their paths and personalities.
We had a private visit of the Poetry of Birds exhibition at @lecolemiddleeast , where we were guided into a journey inspired by the Sufi tale, "The Conference of the Birds".
Stunning pieces, beautifully curated.
Thank you @rana.abodeely for this moment. You connect minds, ideas and people!
I wanted to come back on the party we held on the occasion of Beautyworld Middle East 2025.
This annual rendez-vous has become a staple for CPL Aromas teams. Our customers love it, and we have a blast as well!
What's not to love? Good company, amazing food, and perfumes to complement your senses... all with a nice drinks in hand.
What I enjoy the most is seeing suppliers and customers network with each other. People are so busy competing in the market place that they forget that they sometimes face the same challenges and at the end of the day, we are people, and we work with people.
As for me, my favourite shot from the whole evening is that end of night photo, where friends colleagues and family are sitting barefoot on a tiny table... exhausted, but satisfied and happy.
In the blink of an eye... it s done.
Manzili was a passion project based around the very relatable idea of what is home. We are all from various places, and expats, more than any other group, learn the richness of having two homes.
Our home here in Dubai, and where is our other home?
This week was full of memorable moments. We revealed the scents to those who inspired them at Atelier 14. Fragrances were loved.
The stories came to life on our stand, with outstanding perfumes, and another concept, the Scented Veil, revealed the secrets of Saudi Arabia.
We launched AromaHydro at our annual CPL party, that turned out to be one incredible night out! Partners and friends, colleagues and clients, connecting together. And brands sharing their successes with us through outstanding events and galas....
My legs hurt, but I can't stop smiling, happy and proud of my team.
Thank you is not enough.
Blessings, for the love of perfumery...
A symphony of the past, present and future.
A narrative around Dubai culture, its impact on our lives, and talents that have shaped the identity of a place we call home.
6 fragrances created for 6 personnalities, and a coffee table book rewarding the stories and emotions.
#dubaismyhome #dubaiculture #mydubai #narrative #coffeetablebook #memories #stories #identities #culture
@catt.r@sonia_leretz@cplaromas_arabia@mijuanawrites@dubaismyhome
