Scenes of wonder in the Qatari desert and at Hamad International

“Sheikha al-Mayassa Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani asked me, ‘Would you build a piece in the landscape?’ and I said to her, ‘What landscape?,’ and she said, ‘The desert.’ ”

Chips, Chaps, dodgy Divots and Eddie: The tale of the Dubai Duty Free Golf World Cup 2018

Driving blips, thinned chips, and putting yips aside, though, what a couple of days it has been. The hospitality of Dubai Duty Free is on such a level that you not only feel treated and privileged but also humbled.

Events

November 22, 2018

Hair today and gone tomorrow at the Dubai Duty Free Golf World Cup

I predicted he would shoot the lights out the next day. And he did, an errant drive on the front nine flying into the car park and smashing the headlamp of a Lamborghini.

Fashion

November 20, 2018

Shortening my odds for the Dubai Duty Free World Golf Cup

It doesn’t do wonders for your golfing confidence when you see your coach hurriedly put up a ‘Closed’ sign on the door and hide behind a golf bag when you pull up into the car park outside.

Events

November 18, 2018

All black in Dublin but all good in Dubai’s Turmeric Open

I know the Irish founded the duty free industry but I didn’t realise they a) still populated it in such quantity and b) all had my phone number.

Events

November 2, 2018

Zàijiàn Shanghai, annyeong-ha-seyo Busan

So, Zàijiàn Shanghai, annyeong-ha-seyo Busan. Another Trinity Forum done. Time for a moment to be, as it were, free of duty.

Events

October 31, 2018

Sleepless in Shanghai but tremendous in Trinity

“Can you swap out the decaff for Ristretto (Nespresso’s short, strong version) please?” Give me strength. I need it.

Miscellaneous

October 28, 2018

“In Khun Vichai, the world has lost a great man”

Khun Vichai was a man not simply of great achievement but one of compassion, grace and humility. He gave then gave again to all manner of causes, big and small.

Events

October 24, 2018

High times at Happō-en as IQOS changes everything

Here was PMI CEO André Calantzopoulos cast in an almost messianic role, treating an audience of influencers, journalists, business partners and company executives to a catwalk-style reveal of the new IQOS product lines. Versace, Dior, Chanel, Apple, eat your hearts out.

Events