… when I fell in love with Dubai. It was October 2015, and I'd landed in the city for the first time roughly six hours earlier. It had been a day of firsts: my first solo flight, my first trip to the Middle East, my first experience of Sheikh Zayed Road. But in that moment, as I cruised towards DIFC, face pressed to the window watching in awe at the twinkling skyscrapers and bright lights of the Burj Khalifa whizzed by, I knew that a piece of my heart would always belong to the UAE.
Fast forward almost seven years and I still stand by that conclusion. In those seven years I've seen international brands arrive, whole neighbourhoods brought to life - even islands built. But where the most impressive strides have been made in my humble opinion, is in the city's homegrown space. No longer a stop along the way, or a temporary home for a year or two, UAE residents are making their roots right here, pouring their dreams and creativity into ventures that are transforming the UAE one idea at a time. So, in this issue, my first as editor, we're celebrating them. The risk takers, the rule breakers, the underdogs: all of whom chose these shores to turn their passion projects into businesses to better the emirates. Give them a pat on the back from p20.
If you're returning to business this month after the summer break, welcome. We've got the perfect way to kick you back into action. While you were jetting off for far-flung shores, we've spent the summer seeking out the city's best business lunches. Whether you're sweetening up the boss, impressing clients or celebrating starting out on your own, you'll find them all from p29.
So Dubai, let's get down to business.
Enjoy the issue, Alice | 
