American Airlines Busts Travellers Who Cut the Boarding Line

Accenture and du, the leading telecom and digital services provider, are collaborating under a five-year contract to help du on the Application Development and Maintenance (ADM) of its IT landscape.

Under the AMD contract, Accenture will work closely with du and its partners to move to a new operating model that enables them more flexibility & predictability and to maintain and evolve du’s IT applications.

By implementing new ways of working and processes in line with industry best practices, the new model will help du break silos, accelerate time to market and enable the launch of innovative products and services while improving efficiencies.

Accenture will also support du with the adoption of new technologies and products, including gen AI and advanced analytics, helping du achieving its business objectives in line with its digital-first strategy.

Fahad Al Hassawi, Chief Executive Officer du said: “Our partnership with Accenture marks a shift in our journey towards an innovative, digital-first future. Leveraging Accenture’s expertise in ADM, we aim to significantly boost our agility and market responsiveness in line with our commitment to breaking silos and fostering a culture of innovation and efficiency, enabling us to offer more advanced, customer-centric solutions. Through new technologies like gen AI and advanced analytics, we are poised to redefine what’s possible, aligning with our goal to not only meet but exceed our business objectives in the digital era.”

Omar Boulos, Chief Executive Officer of Accenture in the Middle East, commented: “This is a time for collaboration globally when it comes to converging best-in-class technologies and expertise to truly maximize the potential of cutting-edge tech. We are thrilled to be partnering with du to drive the digital transformation of its infrastructure. We believe that our collaboration will not only enhance du’s capabilities but also contribute to the advancement of the technology landscape in the region.”

Jay Leno once spoke of flipping through the owner’s manual of a vintage luxury car he owns, and coming upon a somewhat dated reference. It said to have “your man” perform regular maintenance. The man was the chauffeur, and it was assumed this uniformed functionary was on hand both to drive the car and keep it in top condition.

These duties make sense, given the history. The word “chauffeur” is of French origins, dating to 1896 or so, and is derived from the term for the “stoker,” who shovelled the fuel and took the helm of early steamships and trains. The best cars early on came from France, and hence the word was imported along with the cars.

Obviously, cars in the early part of the 20th century required considerable maintenance, and it was the chauffeur who hopped out to fix the frequent punctures or crank the engine. This fellow worked for a single boss and was an essential part of the domestic staff. The drivers even had their own magazine in Britain, The Chauffeur, which was published from 1907 to 1914.

In the hit BBC series Downton Abbey , the fiery Socialist chauffeur, Tom Branson (played by Allen Leach) marries Lady Sybil Crawley, joins the family circle, and becomes the esteemed estate manager. This would have shattered social conventions at the time, and is somewhat unlikely. The best that most chauffeurs could expect was to be gifted the car at retirement.

Classic chauffeur-driven limousines of the 1920s and 1930s, sometimes called “sedanca de ville” (town car), had enclosed compartments with cloth seats for the passengers and an open leather-clad driver’s area, possibly a vestige of the carriage trade, when the driver sat up top to control the horses.

The chauffeur had a renaissance during the go-go greed-is-good 1980s, when Wall Street’s instant millionaires were making deals in the back of limousines. But since that time, the limos from companies like Cadillac and Lincoln have gone out of production. According to Gregg Merksamer, editor of website Professional Car Society, “The recent action has moved to upfitting minibuses like the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and the Ford Transit with more luxurious interiors. One reason is that bus-based limos come with more headroom and ‘walk-around space’ than an SUV-based stretch.”

Hiring a Driver

Many executives are now driving themselves, but hiring a driver is still an attractive option. The role of chauffeur is evolving. The basic categories for hired drivers are:

Personal drivers, who typically drive regular cars and help out as needed. Indeed.com says a common salary for a personal driver is $15.44 per hour, though this ranges up to $31.70. The jobs are competitive, the site says—with 25 applicants for every job.

Executive drivers, whose passengers are business executives and CEOs, are often authorised to bring their vehicles into restricted areas. This is a higher-paid category, with salaries up to $93,000 a year, or $45 an hour.

Chauffeurs (with female professionals known formally as a “chauffeuse”). For VIP clients these full-time drivers pilot long-wheelbase luxury vehicles, sometimes with divider windows and communications systems. Chauffeurs might make $50,000 a year in relatively affluent areas.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics combines salaries for shuttle drivers and chauffeurs, giving a median annual salary in 2023 of $35,240. In the larger category that includes taxi drivers, there are 55,400 job openings annually in the U.S. The average chauffeur is male (84%) and white (52%), though 23.8% are Hispanic and 8.7% African-American. Female chauffeurs make approximately $5,000 less annually, according to Zippia.com.

So, does hiring a full-time chauffeur make sense? It does if you lead a busy work life, stress over getting the kids to school on time, worry about possible accidents, or want to make more productive use of your travel time.

To make such a hire, start by deciding whether you want to use an agency or recruit someone yourself from online sites. Then list all the tasks you will want the chauffeur to undertake. That will help determine your driver’s hours, leading possibly to the conclusion that part-time help will be sufficient. Even if you’re using an agency, you’ll want to check the potential hire’s references—remember, they’re likely to be driving children.

Assuming the references check out, the next step is an interview to get to know the candidate. The basics are a full resume, a valid driver’s license, appropriate insurance coverage, and sometimes mechanical skills and a knowledge of defensive-driving tactics.

Personality and temperament are important factors, not just paper credentials. And a probationary period to evaluate the chauffeur where the rubber meets the road is an excellent idea. Salary should be determined based on years of experience.

Which Car?

Excellent candidates for chauffeured cars, ensuring the most passenger comfort, include:

2024 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 SUV ($174,350). The chauffeur of 40 years ago would have been amazed at the choice of an SUV for chauffeur duty, but these cars maximise passenger access and space.

2024 Audi A8L (starting at $90,900). Check the boxes on this roomy company flagship for Comfort Plus (dual-pane acoustic glass, heated rear seats) and Black Optic Plus (for incognito travel). For a European customer circa 2016, Audi created the 20.9-foot-long Audi A8L Extended, with a 166-inch wheelbase and six doors. All six passengers got seating equivalent to first-class airplane travel.

2024 Rolls-Royce Phantom Extended ($573,000). This car’s interior, the company says, is “a sumptuous sanctuary, where escapism is the main objective.” A high degree of customisation is possible. Gerry Spahn, who heads Rolls-Royce communications in the U.S., said that the Phantom is “the ultimate palette for Rolls-Royce Bespoke, allowing clients to incorporate their personal lifestyle into the interior design through materials, finishes, and new technology.”

2024 Cadillac Celestiq ($340,000). Cadillac was once the standard for the chauffeured limousine. This one is a luxurious way of going green, and an out-of-the-box choice for a chauffeured vehicle. It doesn’t look like any other vehicle on the road; AutoExtremist dubbed the Celestiq “a singular design triumph.” These hand-built electric sedans are being produced in very small numbers. All four passengers sit on 20-way adjustable heated, vented, and cooled seats with massage, and enjoy personal screens.

And you can go custom. Companies such as Cabot Coach in Haverhill, Massachusetts, and Executive Coach Builders in Springfield, Missouri, will craft a bespoke limousine to your specifications. Steve Edelmann, director of sales at Cabot Coach, said that for $200,000 to $300,000 his company will outfit an SUV or Sprinter van as a fully equipped mobile office for executive customers, sometimes—shades of the 1930s—with a partition for privacy from the driver.

This story originally appeared in the  Fall 2024 Issue  of Mansion Global Experience Luxury.

At the highest end of the spectrum, bikes are becoming a statement piece. Colourful, vibrant frames stand as pieces of art, made from the most efficient materials and using the latest in innovative technology and engineering.

These bikes, often produced in limited quantities, aren’t just for show. They’re built for long touring days, conquering exceptionally tough climbs, and traversing the nearest rock garden.

It’s also a corner of the market that’s seeing steady growth even as the overall bike market experiences some post-pandemic correction. Technavio estimates that the high-end bike segment will grow by another $5 billion by 2028, fuelled by a pack of affluent riders looking for the latest and greatest they can get on two wheels.

There are also more customization options available than ever before. Bike companies can go over every little detail of the build, from customizing a model in stock to creating a truly bespoke bicycle from scratch. Even the most discerning cyclist can find themselves satisfied by the endless choices in a bike made specifically for them.

Today’s cycling trends cater to two extremes. On one end, there are the racing enthusiasts who want aggressive geometry, the lightest-weight construction, and aerodynamics wherever possible. On the other, there are those who want a more comfortable ride, but still with the best possible components and durability.

These bikes represent some of the best the industry currently has to offer, from off-the-shelf to a weeks-long bespoke process.

1. Trek Top Fuel 9.9 Gen 4, $US10,500

The biggest names in the business are getting in on the high-end game. This option from Trek features the customisation options that mountain bikers need, while also having the support of a national brick-and-mortar network for service and maintenance. The Top Fuel is also an example of the growing trend of in-frame tool storage to keep things out of the way, with the bonus of maintaining the aerodynamic engineering that helps riders go fast and get up steep climbs. This bike also has enduring flexibility, with more room for a larger shock and broader suspension range.

2. Colnago C68 Gravel, $US13,200

The Italians have a rich cycling history, and Colnago is no exception, with roots dating to 1954. Like most other bike brands, Colnago has adapted with the times and begun to build gravel-specific bikes meant to go off-road with ease, but maintain a step below full mountain biking. The C68 Gravel is the rare handbuilt, Italian-made gravel bike and the burliest of the brand’s flagship “C Series.” It is a full carbon fibre setup, with Colnago’s own handlebar layout, with two available colour options for the frame and three wheel choices.

3. Cannondale SuperSix EVO LAB71 Team, $US14,000

If you’ve ever wanted a chance to ride like the pros, this is it. Although several bike brands are offering a version of their Tour de France–competing models, there are few as striking as Cannondale’s offering. This bike is an exact replica of what EF Pro Cycling used throughout the 2024 Tour de France, securing the polka-dot jersey (best mountain climber) for one of its riders. LAB71 is part engineering experiment and part performance development for Cannondale, as the lineup has the brand’s lightest and most aggressive frames. As shown, the team edition features every possible upgrade, including a top-end drivetrain and a fully-integrated cockpit co-developed with MOMODesign.

4. No. 22 Bicycles 2024 Drifter X, Starting from $US14,800

Titanium is more of an enthusiast’s choice for bike-frame construction as it offers a different ride quality compared to carbon fibre, but it also offers more options for total customisation. New York–based No. 22 Bicycles launched the Drifter X as a racier version of the Drifter model, with more flexibility to go further and faster on choppier terrain. Tire clearance between 28mm and 40mm puts this bike in a sweet spot for both pavement and gravel, with options to make cable routing semi- or fully integrated. Riders can also take advantage of several paint-finish options, including Cerakote, anodised, or keeping the frame finish “raw” in its purest state.No. 22 Bicycles also has a full bespoke program, where the company can tailor frames to the exact measurements of a specific rider.

This article originally appeared in the Fall Issue of Mansion Global Experience Luxury.

October is traditionally the time to break out the cozy sweaters and consume as many pumpkin-spice drinks as possible. Instead, people are now using it to reset their goals.

Dubbed “October Theory,” these people are rethinking their approach to the last three months of the year. They’re using it as a time to set goals, pick up new habits and reflect—essentially taking on the role New Year’s plays.

October Theory is the latest “theory” social media has latched onto. Between the uneven job market, inflation, and the usual daily grind, people are looking for something they can control. Setting goals and improving their lives —whether it’s their health, finances or mindset—is something they are gravitating toward.

Sarah Stone, a 35-year-old Realtor in Kansas City, Mo., says October is a better time to reflect on the previous nine months and also home in on what she wants to achieve in the last few months of the year. This month, she’s decluttering her home and purging habits such as too much impulse shopping at TJ Maxx.

“It feels almost like the beginning of the year is in the wrong place on the calendar,” says Stone.

October can feel like an introspective time for people since the seasons are changing, a new academic school year has started and the current year is on its way out, says Laurie Kramer, a licensed clinical psychologist and a professor of applied psychology at Northeastern University. The Jewish new year—Rosh Hashana—also takes place in September or October, giving millions a time to reflect.

“This is a great time, 90 days from the new year, from the holidays, to reassess, see where you are with things,” Kramer says.

Start now, win later

October Theory is catching on partly because it sets someone up for success by the time January rolls around, say fans of the trend. Instead of picking up a new habit in the dead of winter—at the same time everyone else is trying to make it to the gym, for instance—it has already been in place for three months.

Every new year, Allison Bucheleres, a 30-year-old lifestyle and fashion content creator in Miami, tries to set new goals. Often, she fails because she doesn’t have a routine in place to make it happen.

Most of her goals this month revolve around setting new daily routines, such as waking up at 7 a.m., journaling her thoughts and writing self-affirmations to reframe her thinking. Around the middle of the day, she’ll repeat her positive phrases—at times over 100 of them—and will sometimes write one on a sticky note to post on her bathroom mirror.

Bucheleres’s newest self-mantra: “I can control my work and my self belief, but not the timing.”

Simple behaviours that are easy to repeat could take as few as 30 times to become a habit. More complex ones, such as going to the gym, could take up to three months of daily practice, says Wendy Wood, professor emerita of psychology and business at the University of Southern California.

The best time to change behaviour is during a big life change, such as moving to a new house or starting a new job or relationship—regardless of whether it’s in January or October, she says.

“You have a sort of window of opportunity to make decisions about what you want to do without your old habits getting in the way,” Wood says.

Making the most of 2024

Others view October as a last chance to fulfil the goals and aspirations they set months ago.

That includes Mateo Pérez, who is in the final stretch for his weightlifting and running regimen. The 19-year-old sophomore, who is majoring in creative advertising at the University of Miami, is also working on an application to transfer to New York University for the fall 2025 semester. Pérez wants to finish the application by the end of this semester in December.

“Right now, it’s like a reflection of this whole year and how can we make the most of the last three months,” Pérez says.

Psychologists say being introspective—at any time of the year—helps people develop habits and routines. It is often the key to following through on your goals.

Two Octobers ago, Kelly Sites, a 38-year-old customer-support manager and content creator, decided to stop living overseas. By February, she had moved to Kansas City, Mo.

This year, she’s trying to set up a daily meditation and breathing practice, and eat more whole foods. In a TikTok post on Oct. 2, Sites encouraged people to go to their photo albums and type in October to see how much their lives have changed in the 10th month of the year.

“It’s this idea of hibernation, seasons changing,” Sites says. “There’s always seeds of my life that were planted in October that changed the rest of the year.”

I N THE COURSE of one conversation, Salma Hayek Pinault mourns the death of her pet rescue owl, reveals that she never signed a prenup in her marriage to French billionaire François-Henri Pinault and bemoans the obnoxiousness of certain wealthy people who assume they’re interesting just because they’re rich.

But ask about her typical day, and she has no words.

“Nothing in my life is typical,” she says, her smoky voice filling the low-ceilinged room in a London pub, where she shows up on an overcast Monday afternoon awash in head-to-toe Gucci and perfume drawn from ingredients that include Mexican tuberose and queen of the night, an opulent cactus with flowers that each bloom just once a year in the dark.

The Mexican-born actress, 58, famous for her curves and sultry accent, took the objectification of Salma Hayek and bent it to her will: She used her Hollywood clout to create roles for Latina women that defy ethnic stereotypes and channeled her influence into a decadeslong fight against domestic violence. She defied the odds to become one of a tiny handful of Latina leading ladies in the 1990s, and then, while working to preserve that status, developed parallel careers as a producer and a philanthropist.

“I’m talking with my mouth full,” she says after dipping some crust from a sourdough boule into melted rosemary and garlic Camembert, on-brand for a person who professes no strict fitness regimen. “Emotional intelligence,” she’s saying of the forces that drive her. “Human, real connection.”

She’s got a high-drama aura but she’s also pragmatic, a trait visible in her charity work. “I’m passionate,” she says, “but I’m a strategist.” In just three years, Hayek Pinault has turned the Kering Foundation’s annual fundraising dinner in New York, Caring for Women, into a mini Met Gala. The event sponsored by her husband’s luxury goods company Kering sprang fully formed onto the fashion circuit—it wasn’t a slow-building phenomenon like the behemoth Met Gala—and in many ways it’s an expression of Hayek Pinault herself. Every detail runs through her for a gathering that, while raising roughly $3 million, brings attention to the fight against gender-based violence.

As a charity hostess, who on red carpets often appears bejewelled like a modern Elizabeth Taylor, she has curated her own group of tastemakers with guests including Jessica Chastain, Leonardo DiCaprio and Viola Davis.

“She gets you on board,” says friend Eva Longoria, “and she doesn’t take no for undefined an answer.”

I T’S TEMPTING to think of Hayek Pinault’s story as a rags-to-riches tale: The young actress from a small town in southern Mexico gets cast in the leading role on a telenovela and leapfrogs to stardom. In fact, she came from a wealthy family in the coastal city of Coatzacoalcos. Her father was an oil executive of Lebanese descent, her mother an opera singer with Spanish roots, and she grew up with four live-in maids. She saw Europe as a 2-year-old and traveled by private jet. She loved her pet bobcat.

After she moved to L.A. in her mid-20s, her father lost his fortune, Hayek Pinault says. She was a struggling actress with the stress of supporting herself and her family back in Mexico. “That’s when I became the best version of myself,” she says.

In Hollywood, studios first saw her accent as a liability. But director Robert Rodriguez cast her in the 1995 drug-crime western Desperado , followed a year later by his cult hit From Dusk Till Dawn , where she dances with a huge yellow python slung around her shoulders and sticks her toes in Quentin Tarantino’s mouth. Her breakthrough came in 1997 with Fools Rush In , a shotgun-marriage rom-com co-starring Matthew Perry.

With her success came Hollywood money. But her finances leapt into another dimension with her 2009 marriage to Pinault, the chief executive of Kering, a corporate giant that owns Gucci, Saint Laurent and other major luxury brands. The reality of marrying into extreme wealth surprised her.

“To me, the excitement about having a lot of money was that I didn’t have to think about money, and it turned out all people wanted to talk to me about was money,” she says of her life after joining the Pinault family. “Strangers coming to me that aren’t even friends, but they think we should be friends because they’re rich, too.”

She and Pinault keep their finances separate, she says, and there’s no prenuptial agreement dividing assets. The more she thinks about it lately, she says, the more she’d like to increase her own net worth.

“I support a lot of the aspects of my life and myself,” she says. “I have the pressure to make a certain amount of money, and I like it. And now, I decided, I want to make more.”

With their 17-year-old daughter, Valentina, on the cusp of adulthood, Hayek Pinault is pursuing business ideas, which she isn’t ready to reveal. Pinault likes this ambition, she says. “I think he finds it kind of sexy.”

ONE ATTRIBUTE that’s made Hayek Pinault famous is her body. Much has been made of her breasts: Talk-show hosts ask her questions about them, her movie characters comment on them, her red-carpet fashions flaunt them. During our interview, when I say I want to ask her a trivia question, she assumes I’m after her bra size.

No, I tell her in a total left turn, I want to learn about the time on the Frida movie set when her monkey co-star bit her, specifically where it bit her. Coincidentally, I’d just gotten a video of a monkey bite in a group chat so I thought I’d show Hayek Pinault a screenshot. It was a picture of a raised pink welt on pale skin—actually a bite on a man’s back—but Hayek Pinault assumed it was an R-rated close-up of a topless woman.

“It is a thing about the boobs,” she scolds when she sees the photo. I explain she’s looking at a monkey bite on a man’s back. “Oh. This isn’t a monkey bite in the boobs?” she asks. No, I tell her, but is she saying that’s where the monkey bit her? No, she replies. This is turning into a who’s-on-first of monkey bites and lady parts. “Can I tell you something?” she says, clutching her breasts with both hands, still horrified by the photo. “My nipples began to hurt when I saw that.”

It turns out, the Frida monkey bit her on the right hand between her thumb and forefinger, and she needed rabies shots. I asked if those were painful and she said, “Yes, yes. Stop it.” She and the monkey, whose name was Tyson, were alone in her trailer, and he started throwing all her CDs at the walls and breaking them. They got into a tug-of-war over a disc, and he bit her. “They should have told me the monkey has been possessed by the devil,” she says.

Frida was her passion project, a major moment for her now 25-year-old production company, Ventanarosa—Spanish for “pink window”—and a big learning opportunity for her. It had been a fight for her to control the material. In one meeting, while trying to wrest back the project from a studio she’d decided against, she had her agent’s attorney friend come as a prop to intimidate executives. “You sit there, nod your head, look mean,” she told him.

The strategy worked. The project was ultimately made at Miramax, the studio co-founded by Harvey Weinstein. Later, she would write a searing op-ed about being sexually harassed by Weinstein.

Hayek Pinault described in the piece having to film a “senseless” full-frontal nude love scene with another woman to placate Weinstein so he wouldn’t block the completion of Frida . Hayek Pinault, distraught over Weinstein’s tactics, vomited for the length of the shoot.

In a statement, Weinstein’s spokesman says “he apologises to Ms. Hayek for ever making her feel sad or uncomfortable.” He says that Weinstein has “a different memory of those times but isn’t looking to talk about them.”

The roughly $12 million film went on to gross $56 million worldwide and made Hayek Pinault one of the first Latinas ever to be nominated for a best actress Oscar.

With Ugly Betty , an American version of a popular Colombian telenovela, Hayek Pinault initially met resistance from ABC, she says. The actress personally presold international rights and advertising to prove the show’s worth. The series, which supercharged the career of actress America Ferrera, was considered a risk partly because it featured a Latina lead who was not Hollywood’s idea of universal beauty. Hayek Pinault pushed back when some executives wanted to give Betty a makeover. “It got really heated,” she says. Ferrera went on to win the Emmy for best actress in a comedy in 2007.

Most of Ventanarosa’s film and TV works are in Spanish and do not feature Hayek Pinault. Recent titles include the 2019 TV series Monarca , a Succession -style drama on Netflix about a family’s tequila empire, and the Spanish-language HBO series Like Water for Chocolate , premiering this fall. Separately, she continues her own work as an actress, recently premiering the Angelina Jolie–directed wartime film Without Blood at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Hayek Pinault’s longtime producing partner, José “Pepe” Tamez, says the two have been looking at shows like Squid Game , the blockbuster Korean series, to get Latinos in front of a worldwide audience in a similar way. The company had focused on the U.S. and Latin American markets for years, but now they’re thinking more globally. That’s where the opportunity is, Tamez says.

In pitch meetings, Hayek Pinault’s ability to read her audience has been a secret weapon. “Maybe this has to do with the fact that she’s an actress,” Tamez says. “She knows how to listen.”

HAYEK PINAULT’S WORK as a producer did not inform her philanthropy, she says: Her philanthropy made her a better producer.

Her interest in volunteering began in childhood, and her efforts fighting violence against women stretch back to her early days in 2004 working with the Avon Foundation. On a 2009 Unicef trip to Sierra Leone, she famously breast-fed another woman’s baby, a newborn the same age as her own daughter, to combat a regional stigma around breast-feeding. The moment was captured on camera for ABC’s Nightline .

Pinault was keenly interested in her philanthropy. Once when the two were dating and she was volunteering in South America, he asked on the phone about her day. “I said, ‘Oh, it was great. We were with the prostitutes all morning in the red-light district,’ ” she recalls. She talked for an hour, then asked about his day. “He said, ‘I’m embarrassed to tell you what was my day.’ ”

In 2008, a year before they married, the couple began working together to build the Kering Foundation, which Pinault had created to focus on women’s causes.

Over time, Hayek Pinault realised she could broaden her reach even further. In 2013, she and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter founded Gucci Chime for Change, a global campaign by the Kering brand to promote gender equality.

For her signature event, the Caring for Women dinner and charity auction in New York, Hayek Pinault keeps the scope small. The evening’s 200 guests can see each other at 20 tables around a cozy room. For an event that kicks out press, it gets a ton. This year and last, Lauren Sánchez, who is engaged to Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, got in a tabloid-perfect bidding war with Kim Kardashian over a Balenciaga couture lot.

Last year, Hayek Pinault adorned the space with plants and played bird sound effects. She personally wrote fellow celebrities to make sure they’d come. Before they arrived, she lit copal, a rock incense used in Mexican rituals, and waved it around for spiritual cleansing.

“My spirit,” she says, “wants to micromanage.”

O N THIS DAY at the pub, Hayek Pinault is mourning the death of Kering, a rescue owl who became famous on her Instagram. A fox got into the aviary on the grounds of their London estate and ate Kering not long ago. The owl slept in her bedroom many nights, though not that evening. “We had our own way of communicating,” Hayek Pinault says. “She would hold my hand and play and try to pull me.” Kering was a pet but also a wild animal. “I never took that owl in if she didn’t want to come in,” she says. The actress knows her owl would have been eaten by a predator long ago if she’d lived in nature. “She had a good life,” she says.

Over the past decade, Hayek Pinault has dealt with losses like this and life’s other challenges by practicing meditation.

A session might take three hours. She knows a meditation DJ who plays music while she lets go in her mindfulness space, which is the smallest room in her house. Sometimes she’s dancing. She’s usually blindfolded, which makes standing on her head tricky. The DJ later debriefs her because she loses herself so completely that she can’t always recall what’s just happened. She finds herself accomplishing physical feats she could never achieve otherwise. She is sparing on details. “I do strange things,” she says.

In the meditation sessions, nothing hurts, she feels elastic in body and spirit. “I’m ready to go in a room wanting nothing and not knowing what to do or what you’re supposed to do—surrendering and understanding your instincts,” she says. “It’s very advanced.”

Like much in Hayek Pinault’s world, the practice is unconventional. “It’s completely the opposite of no pain, no gain,” she says. “It’s completely the opposite of what everyone does.”

Hair, Nao Kawakami; makeup, Wendy Rowe; manicure, Kate Williamson; set design, Max Bellhouse and Tilly Power; production, Bellhouse.

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has renewed its strategic partnership with WebBeds, the premier global marketplace for the travel trade, expanding its scope to over 30 markets and aiming for a 25% year-over-year increase in the number of hotel guests. This expansion will not only focus on Abu Dhabi City but will also extend its reach to Al Ain, highlighting the emirate’s wide spectrum of tourism experiences.

 Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, the ultra-low-fare national airline of the UAE, is celebrating the expansion of its winter schedule with an unmissable twenty percent discount on all flights. Travel lovers can now take advantage of the flash promotion on the enhanced Winter schedule and book their flights with ease. The discounted prices will be available on 30th October for WIZZ Discount Club members and on 31st October for all travelers, for flights departing between 10 November 2024 and 31 March 2025. Tickets are already on sale on wizzair.com and the WIZZ app, available in the Arabic language, with fares starting from as low as 89 AED*.

The expanded Winter schedule offers 40 percent more flights to the airline’s most popular destinations. From island hopping in Larnaca and the Maldives, to exploring the charm of Bishkek and Baku, uncovering the treasures of Kutaisi and Tashkent, or delving into the timeless wonders of Cairo and Athens, travelers can find flights that suit all preferences and budgets—enjoying more flexibility, convenience, and savings on their journeys.

Johan Eidhagen, managing director of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, said: “We are thrilled to announce the expansion of our Winter schedule with a 20 percent discount. Our enhanced schedule will offer 40 percent additional capacity on our most popular routes, enabling customers to benefit from our incredibly low fares with a convenient and tailored product. Wizz Air is committed to carrying the flag of ultra-low-cost travel in the region and unlocking travel for everyone. We look forward to seeing you on board our aircraft and sharing our love of travel soon.”

The national airline recently announced the expansion of WIZZ MultiPass, a pioneering and innovative flight subscription service that allows frequent travelers to travel from the UAE every month and explore multiple destinations while saving more. WIZZ MultiPass enables passengers to lock in a fixed price for tickets and baggage for the entire year. Passengers can save up to 40% on tickets to popular destinations using the ticket-only fare.

Passengers can book tickets with confidence, thanks to WIZZ Flex. With WIZZ Flex, passengers can change their flight up to three hours before departure without any fee and receive 100% of the fare immediately reimbursed in airline credit.

Strategically located in the UAE, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi provides ultra-low-fares and efficient travel options to Alexandria (Egypt), Almaty (Kazakhstan), Amman (Jordan), Aqaba (Jordan), Athens (Greece), Baku (Azerbaijan), Belgrade (Serbia), Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan), Cairo (Egypt), Cluj (Romania) and Dammam (Saudi Arabia). As well as routes to Kutaisi (Georgia), Larnaca (Cyprus), Male (Maldives), Madinah (Saudi Arabia), Nur Sultan (Kazakhstan), Samarkand (Uzbekistan), Sarajevo (Bosnia), Sohag (Egypt), Tashkent (Uzbekistan), Turkistan (Kazakhstan), Tirana (Albania) and Yerevan (Armenia) among others.

Expanded winter schedule:

*One-way price, including administration fee. One carry-on bag (max: 40x30x20cm) is included. Trolley bag and each piece of checked-in baggage is subject to additional fees. The price applies only to bookings made on wizzair.com and the WIZZ mobile app. Number of seats at indicated prices are limited.

*The promotion applies on bookings made on the 30th of October 2024 00.00 till 31st of October 2024 23.59 CEST (“Promotional period”). The 20% discount applies to the fare, excluding the administration fee. The travel period is limited; travels must be completed between 10 November 2024 and 31 March 2025. The promotion applies only to bookings made on https://wizzair.com or on the WIZZ mobile app. Promotion does not apply to group bookings. Blackout dates: 19 December 2024 – 6 January 2025.

Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has successfully operated flight SV 215 from Jeddah to Amsterdam as part of The Aviation Challenge 2024, an industry-wide initiative led by SkyTeam aimed at fostering innovation and advancing sustainability across the global aviation sector. This marks Saudia’s third consecutive year participating in the challenge, further enhancing its extensive sustainability initiatives.

Saudia’s participation in The Aviation Challenge 2024 aligns with its strategic vision of promoting sustainability and operational excellence, in line with the objectives outlined in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This commitment underscores the airline’s dedication to sustainable practices and its contribution to the global aviation industry’s long-term goals.

Last year, Saudia received two prestigious awards in this global sustainability challenge: “Most Innovative Ground Operations” and “Best Employee Engagement and Collaboration.” The airline was also nominated as a finalist for the “Greatest Carbon Reduction” award for medium-haul flights.

In line with its new sustainability strategy, Saudia’s approach to the challenge this year featured several initiatives aimed at enhancing the entire guest journey. These initiatives focused on both social and environmental sustainability, which are reflected in both the guest experience and operational efficiency.

These initiatives included fuel optimization, electric ground support equipment, sustainable onboard products, and improved waste management. To ensure economic sustainability, Saudia also prioritized locally sourced materials to boost local content.

Maryam Telmesani, Vice President of Sustainability at Saudia Group, commented: “Saudia’s approach to sustainability is holistic and balanced, reflecting our long-standing efforts in pioneering sustainable aviation. We aim to share success stories from the Kingdom with the world, integrating social, environmental, and economic factors while aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 and global sustainability standards. We are excited to continue leading the way in innovative practices that set new benchmarks in the industry.”

Saudia is set to host The Aviation Challenge Awards 2024, celebrating achievements across the industry. The Aviation Challenge, previously known as The Sustainable Flight Challenge, has been renamed to better reflect SkyTeam’s broader mission of creating a lasting industry-wide impact.

Submissions will be evaluated by a diverse panel of global sustainability and aviation experts, who will recognize airlines that best demonstrate the impact and scalability of their solutions.

Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company (“Mumtalakat”) and CYVN Holdings (“CYVN Holdings”) announced that they have entered into a non-binding agreement to explore a potential partnership to accelerate the next chapter of McLaren’s growth.

The potential partnership would see CYVN Holdings acquire full ownership of McLaren’s automotive business in addition to a non-controlling stake in McLaren Group.

This transformative investment by CYVN Holdings would bring access to additional capital, advanced engineering expertise and pioneering technology, particularly in the field of electric vehicles. CYVN Holdings’ cross-industry experience, highly specialized team and existing strategic investments in NIO Inc., Forseven and Gordon Murray Technologies also bring potential synergies to complement and enhance McLaren’s product strategy.

This partnership would look to build on McLaren’s highly successful track record in elite motorsport and grow one of the world’s most prestigious range of high-performance vehicles, with an expanding network of over 110 retailers in 30 global regions.

The deal would also align with Mumtalakat’s strategy to optimize, enhance and grow its portfolio, to deliver sustainable long-term financial returns.

 Valor Hospitality Partners announced the signing of its Lifestyle property in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in the city of Abha, the capital of the Aseer region. The upscale Hijla Hotel, owned by Mr. Mohammed Manaa Almounis and Mr. Samir Muhammad Al Qahtani, and Kayan Almusanada company, in collaboration with the Tourism Development Fund (TDF), is slated to open its doors in the 2^nd semester of 2025. This new venture represents a significant milestone for Valor Hospitality Partners to expand its portfolio in Saudi Arabia.

Hijla Hotel will embody a lavish lifestyle infused with an authentic cultural identity that resonates with the Aseer province. The establishment aims to create a genuine local experience for guests and visitors, showcasing distinctive design elements indigenous to the region. Boasting 151 rooms and suites, the hotel will be situated within “Le Premier” an upscale mixed-use development featuring a retail promenade with global, aspirational brands and a variety of cafes and restaurants. The property will also house two distinct dining venues, an all-day deli and a rooftop specialty restaurant offering panoramic views. Additional guest amenities comprise meeting rooms, an expansive convention center, an enclosed swimming pool, fitness and wellness center, and ample private parking facilities.

Commenting on the signing, Mr. Mohammed Manaa Almounis stated: “We are honored to partner with Valor Hospitality Partners to manage Hijla Hotel, marking a significant milestone as their first managed property in Saudi Arabia. This collaboration not only elevates our commitment to exceptional hospitality but also positions Hijla Hotel as a premier destination in the country and the region. Together, we are excited to deliver unparalleled experiences that reflect the rich culture and warmth of Saudi hospitality.”

Mr. Samir Muhammad Al Qahtani also added: “We are proud of this project and the support and guidance provided by the Tourism Development Fund, which plays a key role in advancing the tourism sector in the Kingdom. This partnership not only strengthens Saudi Arabia’s global tourism position but also makes it more attractive to international companies. The agreement underscores the Fund’s commitment to supporting high-quality projects that align with Saudi Vision 2030 and contribute to the sector’s growth. Our collaboration with Valor Hospitality Partners to develop and manage the Hijla Hotel is part of our ongoing efforts to enhance the hospitality experience by blending our rich Saudi heritage with Valor’s global expertise. We look forward to a successful partnership that will significantly contribute to the region’s hospitality industry.”

“We are extremely grateful and pleased to have found visionary owners in Mr. Mohammed Manaa Almounis and Mr. Samir Muhammad Al Qahtani and adding Hijla Hotel to our portfolio, making it our first property in Saudi Arabia and introducing Valor Hospitality Partners diverse offering to the thriving hospitality sector in the country, which falls in line with Saudi Vision 2030’s to promote the country through tourism. Our vision has been focused on properties that extend its hospitality offerings into local themes, acting as an ambassador to local culture and highlighting its uniqueness for an upscale total emergence within the destination, which we believe Hijla Hotel represents. We can’t wait to welcome visitors to this unique property upon its opening”, said Julien Bergue, Co-founder and Managing Partner, Valor Hospitality Middle East, CIS & Central Asia.

Hijla Hotel marks a significant milestone in Valor Hospitality Partners’ ongoing commitment to expanding its footprint in the Middle East. The company strategically selects properties that embody the uniqueness of local cultures, With the ongoing support provided by the Tourism Development Fund (TDF). Valor Hospitality Partners is a key regional player in identifying authentic properties and help build its services to the highest international standards.

Valor Hospitality Partners transcends conventional third-party management by working closely with owners and investors. The company provides comprehensive management solutions, including acquisition advisory, new development or rebranding, hotel management, asset management, design, and curation of food and beverage concepts. Specialized services extend to revenue management, marketing management, and luxury lifestyle offerings, covering golf, leisure, spa, and fitness management. Valor remains committed to best practices in sustainability and community involvement, aligning with the Gulf and the wider region’s priorities, encompassing natural resource management, reduced environmental impact, and skills development to support national employment targets. The company also emphasizes building relationships with businesses that contribute to the operational success of the properties under its purview.

VinFast Auto held the official brand launch event in the Middle Eastern market, At Bluewaters Island (Dubai), showcasing a variety of smart and green mobility solutions. This event marks a significant milestone in VinFast’s global expansion strategy and reinforces its commitment to providing sustainable and green transportation solutions in the region.

On the same day as the brand launch, VinFast, together with its partner Al Tayer Motors, officially opened its first dealership in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), located in the downtown area of Dubai. With a total area of over 1,000 square meters, the store is designed with a modern and luxurious style, integrated with a service workshop, providing customers the opportunity to directly experience VinFast’s smart electric vehicles, including the VF 6, VF 7, VF 8, and VF 9 models.

With modern design, advanced technology, and impressive performance, VinFast’s electric vehicles promise to bring entirely new driving experiences to customers in the UAE as well as the Middle East region. Previously, on October 17, 2024, VinFast signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Charge&Go to promote the installation and operation of a network of public charging stations and related services in the UAE.

According to plans, additional VinFast dealerships in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain, will be opened later this year. The VinFast VF 8 model is expected to be priced starting from $47,500 (Eco trim) and from $51,500 (Plus trim) when it is launched for sale in the Middle East.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Ta Xuan Hien, CEO of VinFast Middle East, shared: “Today’s official brand launch in the Middle East marks an important step in VinFast’s journey to expand its presence in the global electric vehicle market. We are proud to partner with Gulf nations in the electrification revolution, offering smart and powerful electric vehicles with exceptional warranties, while gradually realizing our expansion plan in the Middle East and globally.”

As a pioneer in the all-electric vehicle strategy, VinFast has established a strong reputation with its presence in numerous international markets such as the U.S., Canada, Europe, Indonesia, India, and the Philippines. The Middle East is a new advancement in VinFast’s expansion strategy, especially as countries in the region are adopting policies to accelerate the development of electric vehicles.

In the Middle East, VinFast has signed exclusive partnership agreements with three leading regional dealers: Al Tayer Motors (UAE), Al Mana Holdings (Qatar), and Bahwan Automobiles & Trading (Oman). By promoting collaboration with top partners in the Middle East, VinFast is actively participating in realizing green mobility solutions in the region, while affirming the commitment of the Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer to making EVs more accessible to everyone.

Elie Saab, the name synonymous with luxury fashion and lifestyle, is making waves in the real estate market with the launch of La Mer by Elie Saab. This new development, set on the stunning Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah, promises to blend the sophistication of haute couture with the serenity of seaside living. Partnering with Octa Properties, Elie Saab aims to redefine resort-style living in the UAE, offering a unique residential experience that reflects his signature aesthetic.

ARTE Developments, a prominent luxury property developer in the UAE, is bringing this visionary project to life.

La Mer by Elie Saab will comprise three beachfront towers linked across multiple levels, featuring a dual lobby. With a total of 355 residences, sizes will range from 874 sq ft to a generous 14,484 sq ft.

These residences will include ten distinct categories, from one-bedroom apartments to chalets and villas, along with nine exclusive penthouses measuring between 10,453 sq ft and 14,484 sq ft. Each living space embodies Elie Saab’s signature aesthetic and is adorned with elegant pieces from the Elie Saab Maison furniture collection.

Residents can enjoy a wide range of amenities. At ground level, a dedicated kids’ club, an indoor pool covering 2,553 sq ft, an outdoor play area, and a children’s pool will be available. Wellness amenities will also be prioritized, featuring male and female spas of 1,058 sq ft and 1,107 sq ft, a well-equipped 3,124 sq ft gym, and a grand pool exceeding 4,837 sq ft.

Serenity Park, located on Level 1, invites relaxation with its expansive 10,266 sq ft of landscaped space, while the Signature Lounge offers an elegant retreat at 1,271 sq ft. Levels 2 and 3 will include the Link Garden, spanning 8,884 sq ft, seamlessly integrating indoor and outdoor living.

On Level 18, residents will find the Sky Gym, Sky Co-working Space, Sky Lounge, and a breathtaking Sky Pool & Deck, which boasts an impressive area of 7,522 sq ft. These thoughtfully curated amenities are designed to cater to both leisure and lifestyle needs, fostering a cohesive community experience, as highlighted by the developer.

“La Mer by Elie Saab reflects our commitment to expanding our brand’s presence in the luxury real estate market, offering an exclusive resort-style living experience in Ras Al Khaimah,” remarked Elie Saab Jr., the CEO of Elie Saab Group.

“As the region grows into a premier entertainment and resort destination, this development brings the distinctive Elie Saab lifestyle while embracing the unique character of Ras Al Khaimah’s surroundings,” he stated.

Lalit Goel, the Managing Director of ARTE Developments, said: “We are honored to collaborate with this renowned brand for the development of La Mer by Elie Saab on Al Marjan Island. The foundation of this project partnership lies in our unwavering commitment to excellence, quality, and luxury living.”

ARTE Developments believes that La Mer by Elie Saab marks a significant milestone in the introduction of branded residences to Al Marjan Island, known for its vibrant growth and community spirit. The development aims to elevate the island’s global allure, offering residents a peaceful beachfront lifestyle.

Construction of La Mer by Elie Saab began in Q3 2024, with an expected completion date in Q1 2028.

Fawaz Sous, the CEO of Octa Properties, said: “With over 20 years of collective experience among Dubai’s leading developers, our team is committed to crafting exclusive branded residences that set new standards in excellence and sophistication.”

“As the exclusive sales and marketing partner for this premium waterfront venture, we can vouch that La Mer by Elie Saab is set to become a valuable addition to Al Marjan Island, infusing the beachfront with unparalleled elegance through its distinctive design,” he added.

Qatar Automobiles Company, the authorized general distributor of Mitsubishi Motors in Qatar, officially launched the all-new Mitsubishi XFORCE (also known as the Outlander Sport in some markets) during a grand ceremony at the Intercontinental Hotel Doha. This makes Qatar one of the key markets for the introduction of this new model from the renowned brand.

The event was attended by Kano Daichi, Manager GCC Markets at Mitsubishi Motors Corporation; Walid Rashed, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Mitsubishi Motors Middle East & Africa; Frank Zauner, General Manager of Qatar Automobiles Company; QAC management along with special guests, media representatives, and influencers.

Frank Zauner, General Manager, Qatar Automobiles Company said: “The launch of the all-new XFORCE aligns perfectly with Qatar Automobiles Company and Mitsubishi Motors’ strategy to introduce an elegant, sporty, and modern vehicle to the market, designed to meet the expectations of the new generation, and equipped with the latest technology and features. I reaffirm our unwavering commitment to our customers and community by providing reliable, cutting-edge vehicles that meet their daily needs. We are equally committed to delivering exceptional after-sales services, ensuring that every customer’s experience with Mitsubishi is smooth, affordable, and satisfying.”

Commenting on the XFORCE launch in Qatar, Kano Daichi, Manager GCC Markets at Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, said: “We are excited to bring the all-new XFORCE to Qatar. It will resonate well with young families, professionals, and adventurers who are looking for a stylish SUV that complements their active lifestyles. It is for the bold, adventurous, and those who demand more and are not afraid to challenge boundaries.”

Walid Rashed, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Mitsubishi Motors Middle East & Africa said: “We are proud to launch the all-new XFORCE in Qatar and the Middle East which will redefine the standards of the compact SUV segment. Its elegant and bold design, as well as cutting-edge technology and luxurious amenities will make it an ideal choice of the new generations.”

The stylish, yet bold compact SUV is designed based on the concept of “best-suited buddy for an exciting lifestyle” to bring excitement, comfort, and practicality to customers’ everyday lives.

The XFORCE is developed to answer the needs of young families, active individuals, and modern adventurers seeking a vehicle that seamlessly blends style, reliability, versatility, and cutting-edge technology to better match their dynamic lifestyles.

Aiming to redefine the standards in the compact SUV segment, the XFORCE features a bold, elegant design, a wide range of luxurious amenities, a spacious interior, and a powerful 1.5-liter MIVEC engine.

A style that Draws Attention

The exterior design of the all-new XFORCE oozes excitement and sophistication from every angle thanks to its forward-thinking, futuristic design. Designed based on the Silky and Solid concept, the compact SUV draws attention wherever it goes, thereby promoting a trendsetter lifestyle. The new generation dynamic shield with honeycomb accents as well as Mitsubishi Motors’ iconic T-shaped LED headlights and taillights, create a sporty look with a sense of depth. The XFORCE also comes with two-tone 18-inch alloy wheels, thereby making a powerful statement on the road.

While the exterior styling looks bold and sporty, drivers will be greeted by a luxurious interior with higher-quality materials and cutting-edge technologies. In a first for Mitsubishi Motors, a mélange fabric is used for the padding of the instrument panel, creating a sense of enclosure by covering everything up to the door trim. The modern cockpit also sports a 12.3-inch Smartphone-link Display Audio (SDA) compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with an 8-inch Digital Driver Display to put information and entertainment at your fingertips.

Other key interior highlights include dual-zone climate control with rear and driver knee air vents, wireless smartphone charging, USB Type A & C ports in the rear console, synthetic leather seats with an anti-rise temperature function, hands-free power tailgate, and Nanoe™ X air purifier, all of which ensure a comfortable and connected ride.

On the safety front, XFORCE is engineered with a plethora of driver-assistance systems and advanced safety features, including six airbags, Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), an electric parking brake with an auto hold function, and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), thereby providing peace of mind for both drivers and passengers.

Performance Designed for Our Region and Built for Adventure

Under the hood, the all-new XFORCE debuts with a 1.5-liter MIVEC responsive engine that combines efficiency with power. The four-cylinder engine is mated to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) to ensure an ideal balance between fuel efficiency and driving power. The innovative transmission also features a “Ds” function (Downshift and Sporty) to enhance the driving force and engine braking, thereby ensuring a confident and sporty driving experience.

The XFORCE has four drive modes—Normal, Wet, Gravel, and Mud. These four drive modes allow you to adjust power delivery, traction control, and steering effort for maximum confidence in different driving situations. With its two-tone 18-inch wheels, the XFORCE achieves a class-leading ground clearance of 222 mm, making it the ideal SUV for the Middle East’s challenging off-road terrains.

The all-new XFORCE and the full line up of Mitsubishi cars are available at Qatar Automobiles Company, the authorized general distributor of Mitsubishi Motors in Qatar, in its showroom on Salwa Road in Doha

Sindalah, the luxury island destination and first physical showcase of NEOM, has been unveiled by the NEOM Board of Directors. First announced by His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Chairman of the NEOM Board of Directors in December 2022, Sindalah’s opening marks an exciting milestone in NEOM’s progress.

Transforming Sindalah from idea to reality has been the result of an extensive two-year effort, from a 30,000-strong workforce at its peak across four local contracting partners and up to 60 subcontractors. It marks a significant step in realizing the Kingdom’s tourism ambitions under Saudi Vision 2030 and reaffirms NEOM‘s ability to conceive and deliver new and exciting destinations. To celebrate this occasion, Sindalah has welcomed its first wave of invited guests to experience the island’s allure.

Located in the glistening azure waters of the Red Sea, five kilometers off the NEOM coastline in northwest Saudi Arabia, Sindalah is a distinctive, luxury resort destination spread over 840,000 square meters. Ideally positioned 17 hours by sea from key Mediterranean destinations, Sindalah will serve as NEOM’s gateway to the Red Sea, providing easy access for European, Saudi and GCC yacht owners.

Sindalah blends the natural beauty of the island with tech-driven design and architectural excellence. With the island masterfully designed by leading yachting architecture firm, Luca Dini, Sindalah offers world-class restaurants, hotels, venues and experiences. Set to welcome up to 2,400 guests per day by 2028, the island will also generate around 3,500 jobs, helping to drive the ongoing development of the Kingdom’s thriving hospitality and tourism industries, thereby supporting diversification of the economy in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

Nadhmi Al-Nasr, Chief Executive Officer, NEOM, said: “NEOM is committed to supporting the Kingdom’s new era of luxury tourism, with the opening of Sindalah. The realization of this landmark destination, the gateway to the Red Sea, is due to the visionary leadership of His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman and Saudi Vision 2030. This is a proud chapter in the NEOM story and we are excited to achieve more of our ambitious goals, with the continued support of His Royal Highness. NEOM’s inaugural destination offers visitors a ‘first glimpse’ of what the future holds for our extensive portfolio of destinations and developments.”

Boasting an impressive marine ecosystem, Sindalah’s surrounding waters are home to 1,100 species of fish – 45 of which are unique to NEOM waters, in addition to more than 300 coral species. In line with NEOM’s commitment to sustainability and conservation, preservation of Sindalah’s natural marine habitat has been central to the island’s development, and guests are invited to dive beneath the surface to explore its wonders for themselves.

With its strategic location and year-round pleasant climate, Sindalah’s state-of-the-art, 86-berth marina will usher in a new season of sailing. The Sindalah Yacht Club, with interiors expertly designed by Stefano Ricci, sits as the marina’s focal point and invites yachting guests, owners and crew to enjoy its amenities. Docking facilities, additional offshore buoys for super yachts and a full suite of yacht management services are also available.

Sindalah combines world-class hospitality, fine dining and curated experiences in one all-encompassing destination. The Village and Promenade are the beating heart of the island’s entertainment and social zones, home to 38 culinary offerings backed by world-renowned chefs, as well as daytime eateries, late-night venues and 36 luxury retail outlets. The Beach Club offers poolside lounging by day and mesmerizing music experiences by night, while the beachfront Golf Club provides an elevated golfing experience for all abilities. With its world-class 6,474-yard (5,920-meter) par 70 course, the Golf Club will offer 18 teeing points and two unique nine-hole experiences.

Future guests will choose their accommodation preferences from a range of breathtaking properties, offering 440 rooms and 88 villas, as well as 218 luxury serviced apartments. Information regarding bookings will be made available through NEOM’s tourism channels soon.

Feeling depressed when the stock market is down? You have plenty of company. According to a recent study, when stock prices fall, the number of antidepressant prescriptions rises.

The researchers examined the connection by first creating local stock indexes, combining companies with headquarters in the same state. Academic research has shown that investors tend to own more local stocks in their portfolios, either because of employee-stock-ownership plans or because they have more familiarity with those companies.

The researchers then looked at about 300 metropolitan statistical areas, which are regions encompassing a city with 50,000 people and the surrounding towns, tracking changes in local stock prices and the number of antidepressant prescriptions in each area over a two-year period. They found that when local stock prices dropped about 12.8% over a two-week period, antidepressant prescriptions increased 0.42% on average. A similar relationship was seen in smaller stock-price drops as well. When local stock prices fell by about 6.4%, antidepressant prescriptions increased about 0.21%.

Older and sadder

“Our findings suggest that as the stock market declines, more people experience stress and anxiety, leading to an increase in prescriptions for antidepressants,” says Chang Liu , an assistant professor at Ball State University’s Miller College of Business in Muncie, Ind., and one of the paper’s co-authors. The analysis controlled for other factors that could influence antidepressant usage, like unemployment rates or the season.

In a comparison of age groups, those aged 46 to 55 were the most likely to get antidepressant prescriptions when local stocks dropped.

“People in this age group may be more sensitive to changes in their portfolio compared with a younger cohort, who are further from retirement, and older cohorts who may own less stocks and more bonds since they are nearing retirement,” says Maoyong Fan , a professor at Ball State University and co-author of the study.

Other correlations

When the authors looked at demand for psychotherapy during periods of declining stock prices their findings were similar. When local stock prices dropped by about 12.8% over a two-week period, the number of psychotherapy visits billed to insurance providers increased by about 0.32%. They also found a correlation between local stock returns and certain illnesses associated with depression, such as insomnia, peptic ulcer, abdominal pain, substance abuse and myocardial infarction. But when the authors looked at other insurance claims, like antibiotics prescriptions, they found no relationship with changes in local stock prices.

By contrast, for periods when stocks rise, the authors didn’t see a drop in psychological interventions. They found no statistical relationship between rising local stock prices and the number of antidepressant prescriptions, for example, which the authors believe makes sense.

“Once a patient is prescribed an antidepressant, it’s unlikely that a psychiatrist would stop antidepressant prescriptions immediately,” says Liu.

One practical implication of the study, Liu adds, is that investors should be aware of their emotional state when the market dips before they make investment decisions.