The second edition of the much-anticipated Ultimate Battle of the Banks golf tournament concluded in spectacular fashion at Dubai’s renowned Faldo Golf Course. Hosted by Integrator Media in partnership with OMA Emirates Group LLC, the event brought together a stellar lineup of over 90 participants representing 25 premier banks and financial institutions from across the region.

The tournament, played in the engaging 2-man Texas Scramble format, offered the perfect blend of fierce competition and collegial spirit. UBS Bank claimed the top spot, earning the coveted title of champion, while the event cemented its reputation as a premier gathering for the financial industry’s elite.

The lush greens of the Faldo Golf Course served as a stunning backdrop for this prestigious event, which attracted powerhouse names in banking, including ADCB, Barclays Bank, RAK Bank, Deutsche Bank, First Abu Dhabi Bank, and Citibank NA. Participants showcased not only their golfing prowess but also their commitment to fostering industry relationships in an atmosphere of collaboration and shared enthusiasm.

Beyond the competition, the Ultimate Battle of the Banks served as a unique platform for networking and relationship-building within the financial sector. This one of-a-kind tournament not only highlighted the importance of teamwork on the golf course but also underscored the collaborative ethos driving the industry forward.

As the sun set over the iconic venue, participants reflected on the day’s successes, with many already looking ahead to next year’s event. With its growing stature, Ultimate Battle of the Banks continues to unite the financial community through the shared love of golf, competition, and camaraderie.

This year, UBS Bank triumphed with an impressive score of 8 under par, securing the top spot, while Mashreq Bank and Network International followed in second and third place, respectively. Notably, last year’s championship trophy was claimed by Julius Baer, who took the top honors in the banking division.

UBS Bank’s Ashok Sindhu reflected on the victory, highlighting the camaraderie and competitive spirit among participants. “It was fantastic to meet and compete with peers from across the industry. The tight finish made the win even more special,” Sindhu said.

Shankar Balasubramanian, RM at Mashreq Bank, shared his thoughts with us: “Another fantastic event – impeccably organized and truly a pleasure to be part of. The Integrator team, alongside the sponsors, ensured it was an enjoyable and productive day, offering a great opportunity to connect informally with industry leaders. Securing second place was the icing on an already well-crafted cake! Thank you, and I’m looking forward to the next event.”

The event was supported by Taraf Holding as the Gold Sponsor, while HPE Aruba and AGMC – BMW joined as Associate Sponsors. Beyond the greens, the tournament offered a unique networking platform for senior banking professionals, culminating in a gala dinner and awards ceremony.

Niranj Sangal, Group CEO of OMA Emirates, underscored the significance of the event in fostering industry collaboration. “The tournament provided a vibrant platform for strengthening bonds within the banking and finance community,” he noted. The tournament’s blend of spirited competition and professional networking highlighted the growing popularity of such events in the corporate sector. As the banking industry continues to evolve, platforms like these offer a unique opportunity for professionals to connect outside traditional settings.

The seventh-generation Nissan Patrol is the legendary SUV’s latest and most cutting-edge iteration, outfitted with state-of-the-art powertrains, tech, and features.

The Nissan Patrol has been roaming the Arabian dunes for over half a century now, with a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts and the residents of the Middle East. Now, after almost fifteen years, we have witnessed the arrival of a new and redesigned Nissan Patrol iteration, code-named Y63. It was unveiled on the 3rd of September at an exclusive event conducted in Abu Dhabi. Although the exterior design of the new Patrol is reminiscent of a sleeker, more futuristic Y62 Patrol, there is more than what meets the eye.

The new flagship SUV is decked out with more advanced underpinnings and a duo of new and updated powertrains. Gone is the formidable V8 motor, which has been supplanted by a new, more potent 425-hp twin-turbocharged V6 motor capable of delivering a monumental torque output of 700 nm. The interior reveals a major overhaul, featuring massive touchscreens, and a segment-first biometric cooling feature that adjusts interior temperature according to body temperature. All of this is just the tip of the iceberg; keep reading to know more about the all-new flagbearer of Nissan SUVs, the titan of the desert — the new Nissan Patrol Y63.

A Classic-Contemporary Design Approach

Looking at the all-new Patrol from the outside, you see a design redolent of yet divergent from the outgoing Patrol. Redolent in the sense, the basic proportions remain visually the same, although the new Patrol has grown in size, and divergent as the design language now has a more modern flare to it. This change is most evident in the exterior lighting elements, such as the front LED DRLs and the very contemporary LED light bar at the rear end. Other than that, even while the design lines have changed noticeably, the Patrol DNA remains unadulterated and visually evident. You won’t be left wondering if Nissan introduced a new SUV as the all-new Patrol. Despite all its redesigned and updated elements, it is still unmistakably a Patrol. Nissan has nailed it on the design front, finding a balance between the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” and “keep your finger on the pulse” principles. The Patrol is now up-to-date and cutting-edge, without losing its inherent, rugged character.

The front fascia is dominated and highlighted by the signature V-motion grille, which has grown in size and is now more flushed onto the SUV’s front-end. Enhancing this wider grille and completing the front-end design is a new set of double-C-shaped LED headlamps with integrated DRLs. These components are cohesively integrated, successfully creating a blend of modern and traditional elements, resulting in a bold and futuristic mien. Coming to the sides, the new Patrol has a more chiseled side profile with more perceptible body lines compared to the more bulbous side profile of the outgoing Patrol. This, combined with a rearward-sloping design, gives the new Patrol a more aggressive stance when looked at from the sides. Also, new is a set of optional massive 22-inch alloys, that look right in place and exceptionally proportionate in the now larger-than-ever Patrol.

Coming to the rear end, the most noticeable design element is the LED light bar that runs from side to side, connecting the new LED tail lamps. Prominent exterior elements at the rear have an incised finish to it, which deviates from the embossed design language of the outgoing Patrol. Overall, the new Y63 Patrol is a modern embodiment of the SUV, which I think flaunts sharper aesthetics compared to the regular Y62 Patrol while not being as aggressive as the Patrol NISMO. The Patrol indubitably continues to be a great-looking SUV that now boasts contemporary exterior elements, features, and styling.

Downsized And Enhanced: A Zealous New Twin-Turbo V6

The all-new Patrol is powered by a new range of V6 powertrains, a naturally aspirated base engine, and a high-end twin-turbo motor. The flagship motor is a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6, replacing the outgoing 400-hp 5.6-liter V8. Although 2 cylinders short, the addition of two turbos empowers this new powertrain to generate 425 horsepower and 700 NM, which is a 7% boost of power and a more significant 25% upsurge of torque. Nissan also claims a 24% increase in fuel efficiency, which we’ll have to test out to confirm.

The base motor, on the other hand, is essentially in the same ballpark as the outgoing 4.0-liter base V6 motor. This new 3.8-liter naturally aspirated V6 cranks out 316 horsepower and 386 NM of pulling power. While this is an increase of 41 horsepower, there also happens to be a loss of 8 NM in torque. Both these new engines come mated to a new 9-speed automatic transmission, with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

Armed For Both The Urban Jungle And Uncharted Terrain

The new Patrol has a 4-wheel-drivetrain, lockable rear differential, and offers six drive modes to choose from – Standard, Sand, Rock, Mud, Eco, and Sport. New to the off-roading frontier, is the 4WD transfer mode interlock system which allows seamless switching between the drive modes, promising enhanced off-roading prowess. The all-new Patrol sits on an all-around independent suspension as standard. Higher-end models are equipped with an adaptive air suspension setup, offering adjustable ride height and proprietary e-damper technology. The e-damper tech adjusts the damper settings according to the road and driving conditions. The adjustable ride height feature, on the other hand, adds to the convenience and livability factor, allowing easier ingress and egress of passengers and loading and unloading of luggage.

Brimming with Opulence

The Patrol is a status symbol that is often chosen by consumers who are more than capable of purchasing SUVs belonging to much higher price brackets. It is the vehicle of choice for many, regardless of not being the most sumptuous SUV offering in the market. Nissan has addressed this situation by treating customers with more and more luxury features in each generation of the Patrol. The new Y63 is the epitome of this process, as it has been bestowed with never-before-seen elements of extravagance. The cabin is roomy and airy, showcasing a standard panoramic sunroof up top. The redesigned front cabin is simpler compared to the outgoing generation, while also dexterously integrating modern features into it. For the first time, the Patrol now comes without a gear lever, which has been replaced with an e-shifter which Nissan calls the “Piano Button”. Everything including the screens, buttons, and other controls has been neatly laid out on the dashboard. I personally like this redesigned version of the dashboard and the perfect blend of high-tech screens with tactile physical buttons.

The cabin features quilted leather seats with detailing inspired by “Kumiko” — a traditional Japanese woodcraft technique of seamlessly assembling wooden pieces without the usage of nails. These seats are also 8-way power-adjustable, with a massage function. Additionally, the first and second-row seats are also equipped with a NASA-inspired spinal support technology, claimed to promote optimal posture and significantly reduce fatigue. Another new available feature is the new biometric cooling tech, integrated into the seats. With a built-in infrared sensor, this novel feature detects the body temperature of the occupants of the front and second-row passengers and adjusts the airflow settings accordingly.

The new frame of the Patrol is claimed to have improved torsional rigidity, resulting in lower vibration levels and hence, better ride quality. Nissan has also equipped the new Patrol with acoustic glass for better noise isolation, further contributing to a more serene travel experience. As for storage space, Nissan claims that the Y63 Patrol offers 30% more space for luggage, along with 9 liters of in-cabin storage space. On top of that, the third-row seats can be easily power-folded and returned using the touchscreen, providing flexible storage solutions. 

Massive Screens And A 3D Surround Sound

One of the areas where the Patrol took a massive leap is in technology. The Y63 Patrol is profusely equipped with infotainment tech of all sorts, including larger screens and a high-end audio system. The dashboard is dominated by a 28.6-inch horizontal display dubbed Monolith, comprising two 14.3-inch displays. This titanic infotainment screen comes with Google built-in, allowing easier interactions, both verbally and via touch. This major update makes fundamental functions, including real-time navigation, traffic updates, media, and temperature controls, exceptionally easy to access and adjust.

Also, since the new Patrol’s standard voice assistant is the Google Assistant, it can be confidently said that the hassle of making a proprietary voice assistant understand your command has been successfully overcome here. Google Built-In also means that you have direct access to the Google Play Store and its refined ecosystem of applications. The rear passengers are provided with 12.8-inch screens integrated behind the front seats, offering Miracast, HDMI, and USB input options.

The audio system has also received a significant upgrade. The higher-end models of the outgoing Nissan Patrol Y62 were appointed with a premium 13-speaker Bose audio system. In the all-new Patrol, this setup has been replaced with a new 12-speaker Klipsch premium audio system precisely engineered for the new vehicle. Other connectivity features include USB Type-C ports in all three rows and a wireless charging pad in the center console.

Cutting Edge Safety Tech

Technological advancements and additions in the new Patrol aren’t limited to its infotainment setup. Nissan has made groundbreaking improvements on the safety front. The Y63 Patrol comes equipped with a host of active and passive safety features, ensuring a more secure travel experience. For starters, the frame of the new Patrol is constructed with increased use of high-strength steel, resulting in improved frontal crash protection.

On top of that, a comprehensive safety package comprising seven airbags, including knee airbags specifically designed to protect the driver, ensures excellent passive safety. Making complete use of the new and larger screens is a new set of driver-assistance features. While the 360-degree camera isn’t a praiseworthy feature by today’s standards, the new Panorama View feature, consisting of ‘UltraWide View’ and ‘Invisible Hood View’, is a notable addition. These offer enhanced visibility of the road in front and even under the vehicle, during challenging situations, such as when visibility is minimal or while venturing off the paved tarmac.

The Y63 Patrol is also the first vehicle to be endowed with Nissan’s new ProPILOT technology. This proprietary tech leverages navigation and utilizes Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane-Keeping Assistance to adjust vehicle speed while cornering and during interchanges.

Worthy Successor?

All in all, the new Patrol is an all-encompassing, thoroughly thought-through redesign, armed to the teeth with superlative hardware and software. It is powered by a brawny duo of V6 engines, vaunts a gracefully designed cabin with all sorts of modern luxury amenities, and comes plentifully appointed with cutting-edge infotainment and safety tech. Nissan managed to do all that without malforming the iconic DNA of the Patrol, but by enhancing it in the right manner.

Although I still adore the exterior design and the burly V8 motor of the last-gen Patrol NISMO, on all other fronts I would prefer the new flagbearer. I’m sure it will grow on me, and I look forward to the arrival of it donning a more belligerent NISMO attire. The all-new Y63 Nissan Patrol is available for booking across the Middle East, and as per Nissan, it will be available for direct purchase in the region starting November 1, 2024.

In an exclusive interview with Bani Haddad, Founder and Managing Director of Aleph Hospitality, we explore the visionary journey of a leader who has transformed the hospitality landscape in the Middle East and Africa. Bani discusses his motivation to establish Aleph Hospitality, highlighting the importance of creating an extraordinary experience that goes beyond the “home away from home” concept. Bani also shares insights on his lasting legacy he hopes to leave—a legacy that redefines both the guest experience and the work-life philosophy within the hospitality industry.

You have had a remarkable journey, transitioning from working with top international brands to founding Aleph Hospitality. What inspired you to start something of your own?
The primary motivation for me was the desire to create and build something impactful, as well as to establish an organization. That has always been the core of my ambition behind starting Aleph Hospitality. While some individuals aspire to build a successful career within organizations, and others may aim to work with NGOs or charitable institutions, my deep motivation has always been to create an organization. With my extensive experience working with various hotel groups, the idea of having my own hotel management company gradually took shape.

As a top hotelier and visionary leader, how do you foster innovation within your company?
There are two key elements I focus on. Firstly, it’s crucial to allow people to do what they are best at. I aim to recruit individuals who possess more expertise than I do in their specific fields. Once that is achieved, it’s essential to give them the freedom and empowerment to carry out their roles. Without this, creativity is stifled. However, that alone is not enough. You must set clear goals, a vision, and a direction for people to push their limits and unlock their creativity. For me, creating a relaxed and comfortable work environment is essential. I want everyone to feel excited about coming to work, not burdened by it. This positive / THE MAIN COURSE / September 2024 31Hospitality Integrator www.integratormedia.com culture at Aleph Hospitality directly influences how people think and perform, enabling them to come up with new ideas and deliver great results.

Secondly, at Aleph Hospitality, we established the Aleph Innovation Lab, where we invite startups to collaborate with us. The lab serves multiple purposes: it provides opportunities for others, while also inspiring myself and the team. Having young people working on fresh ideas energizes us and pushes the team beyond their routine tasks.

Regarding the name “Aleph Hospitality,” which is the first letter of the Arabic alphabet, what inspired you to choose this name for your company?
We were the first to introduce third-party or independent hotel management in the region in a professional, structured way, marking a turning point in how the industry operates here. Aleph, as you’ve rightly noted, is the first letter of the Arabic alphabet. But going back 4000 years, Aleph was actually the first letter invented by the Phoenician people, which later evolved into the Greek and Roman alphabets, and eventually, the Arabic alphabet. Aleph became alpha, and alpha became A. This development essentially revolutionized communication for all of us. So, I thought it fitting to choose a name that symbolizes a significant shift—just as Aleph changed communication, we’re changing the way the hotel industry functions in this part of the world.

We’re not pretending to reinvent the wheel here at Aleph; it’s a proven concept that has worked in the US and Europe for years, but it was new to the Middle East and Africa when we introduced it.

Aleph Hospitality introduced the independent hotel management model in the Middle East and Africa. How this has revolutionized the hospitality industry?
Traditionally, when large hotel groups like Intercontinental, Hilton, and Sheraton came to the region 35-40 years ago, they managed the hotels themselves, which worked fine. But when we started in 2015, we took a different approach. We proposed that instead of these brands managing the hotels directly, they could grant us the franchise rights, similar to how it’s done in the US and Europe, and we would handle the day-to-day operations. It took a few years to convince the brands that we had the right infrastructure and capability in the region to uphold their standards. At the same time, we had to build trust with hotel investors and owners, so they felt confident entrusting their assets to us. As this model gained traction, we did a lot of educational work through conferences, press articles, and presentations to promote it. Now, it’s not just us using this model—large American and European hotel groups have followed suit. Some brands, which used to manage around 80-90% of their properties directly, now have about 60% franchised and only 40% managed by themselves. Hotel owners, too, have become much more open to this, often preferring third-party management over brand-managed operations.

How does Aleph Hospitality define luxury, and in your view, what constitutes true luxury in hospitality?
Aleph Hospitality has recently ventured into the luxury segment. We have opened one property in Dubai and are in the process of acquiring two luxury properties in Morocco. This marks the beginning of a new division at Aleph Hospitality, one specifically tailored to the luxury market. Managing luxury hotels is fundamentally different from operating a 4-star or even a standard 5-star hotel, as it requires an entirely distinct approach. This approach begins with recruiting the right individuals and implementing suitable training programs. However, the key focus is on how we cater to the needs of our guests, not only upon their arrival at the hotel but also well in advance. This process starts with the design of the hotel, the facilities we provide, and the carefully crafted programs designed specifically for our guests.

Even at the booking stage, we aim to create an atmosphere that makes guests feel special, whether they are contacting the hotel or visiting our website. The luxury experience should begin before the guests set foot in the hotel. From there, we maintain communication with the guests, ensuring they feel valued and that we have taken their preferences and anticipations into account. By the time they arrive, our goal is not just to meet, but to exceed, their expectations. For us, luxury involves a unique mindset, and we are developing a dedicated division to manage this segment. While it is still in its early stages, this is the path we are pursuing.

With a pipeline of 50 hotels by 2027, what are the major factors driving you toward that ambitious goal?
It primarily comes down to the evolving market and changing demands. As I mentioned, hotel owners are now more exposed to different management models. They’re realizing, “My asset can be managed differently, while still carrying the brand, and I can make more profit. I can have more involvement in the day-to-day operations and enjoy greater flexibility.” There’s nothing more reassuring for someone who has invested millions, sometimes hundreds of millions, in a hotel than being able to directly reach a decision-maker managing their assets. We don’t have multiple layers—owners can contact me, my business partner, or our CEO, and immediate decisions can be made.

The first key driver for our growth is the heightened awareness within the hotel investment community. Owners now better understand the benefits of this model. The second driver is the international hotel brands themselves. They are much more comfortable franchising their brands in the region, just as they do in the US and Europe. They / THE MAIN COURSE / September 2024 33Hospitality Integrator www.integratormedia.com ALEPH HOSPITALITY are even sending opportunities our way, saying, “We have someone interested in the brand. Why don’t you manage it? We’ll just provide the franchise.” And lastly, it’s our people. We have great people driving this growth.

What legacy do you hope to leave for Aleph Hospitality?
Well, I hope we continue to build an organization where people don’t feel like they’re just waking up and going to work. There are a couple of concepts I really dislike. One is the “home away from home” concept in hotels. No matter how luxurious or comfortable the hotel is, when people go to a hotel, they’re looking for a different experience—not to feel like they’re at home. I don’t want anyone telling me “welcome home” when I walk into a hotel. I’m here for something new, something unique, not to replicate home life.
Another concept I struggle with is the idea of “work-life balance.” I get the intention behind it, but why should work and life be two separate things that need balancing? Work is life, and life is balanced when you enjoy what you do. If we blur the lines between work and personal life, people will be much happier. It shouldn’t feel like an obligation to go to work—it should just be part of a fulfilling life. That’s the legacy I hope to leave at Aleph Hospitality, and I believe we’re already on the path to achieving it.
From a business perspective, I also want to make a significant impact on the profitability of hotel investors by giving them more control over their assets and bottom lines. That’s another major part of the legacy we aim to create.