With tremendous development in every aspect of life, under the leadership of the Ruler of Dubai, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai has flourished and carved a name for itself on the map of global greats. The beauty industry too is reaching greater heights with the huge array of services and products available in the emirate. HEALTH lauds the original beauty pioneers in Dubai who have shaped the way we look at grooming and aesthetics.
Dr. Hassan Galadari has been a dermatologist for nearly 10 years in his own practice.
What was the key motivator for you to initially embark upon your brand?
“One of the reasons why I got into dermatology is my love for the visual. Dermatology is a very visual field and can encompass things that you can see with the the microscope. It also is the most artistic of fields where the love of arts meets a scientific prowess.”
How do you feel the beauty business has evolved in Dubai in the past decade?
“There are pros and cons to this. The industry has become more accessible with more options available and many outlets. Unfortunately, however, it has also become the most overused, meaning that many non-core specialties have become intertwined in it. There has to be more
regulations as to who can practice what.”
Of your repertoire of treatments, if you had to suggest only one, what would that be and why?
“If there was only one treatment from all the lasers, fillers and Botox, I would choose chemical peels. Peels are oldest cosmetic treatment in the history of cosmetic treatments. If it was good enough for Cleopatra many years ago, trust me, it’s good enough for us now too.”
Dr. Maria Angelo- Khattar has been in the industry since 2002 in Dubai and is the pioneer of results driven treatments
in the aesthetic industry.
What was the key motivator for you to initially embark upon your brand?
“Motivation was personal as I was beginning to show signs of aging and was looking for evidence-based aesthetic procedures. At the time, there were no clinics that offered the full spectrum of minimally aesthetic procedures.”
How do you feel the beauty business has evolved in Dubai in the past decade?
“The increase in population and changing demographics has led to the establishment of a multitude of beauty centers in Dubai. This change is good for the industry as it is bringing naked eye or under the microscope. It also is the most artistic of fields where the love of arts meets a scientific prowess.”
How do you feel the beauty business has evolved in Dubai in the past decade?
“There are pros and cons to this. The industry has become more accessible with more options available and many outlets. Unfortunately, however, it has also become the most overused, meaning that many non-core specialties have become intertwined in it. more international
brands, better and the latest technology and overall helping raise the standard of service in this sector, which ultimately is to the benefit of the patients. Additionally, patients are become increasingly aware of options available to restore and enhance one’s appearance.”
Of your repertoire of treatments, if you had to suggest only one, what would that be and why?
“In my opinion, facial contouring, namely the restoration of facial shape in an older person and the enhancement of facial contours in a young person, is the single most important treatment. Apart from skin radiance, facial shape is one of the most important determinants
of youth and beauty. I always explain to patients that if you look at a person from across a darkly lit room, you immediately get an impression as to how attractive they are. From that distance and in that lighting, you cannot scrutinise skin quality but only base your judgement on facial geometry.”
Mona Syed-Mirza has been in Dubai for the past eight years and understands the evolving aesthetic climate of Dubai.
What was the key motivator for you to initially embark upon your brand?
“I began my brand in 2002 in London, UK and opened my first branch in Dubai in 2007 having visited Dubai a few times and realising a scope and niche for my brand. The aesthetics industry falls under the “lifestyle” umbrella and Dubai is all about that, which was one of the key motivators for me to expand into this market. Everyone is motivated to look and feel their best in the most progressive city in the world.”
How do you feel the beauty business has evolved in Dubai in the past decade?
“The beauty business has evolved tremendously in the time I have been here. Tougher regulations means the clients can be safe in the knowledge of quality and service. Clients are more discerning and knowledgeable about different treatments and as a result of travelling extensively they seek comparable aesthetic treatments in Dubai. Clients prefer visiting aesthetic clinics for basic facials and beyond rather than to salons, where the core focus is upon skin and not a host of other services.”
Of your repertoire of treatments, if you had to suggest only one, what would that be and why?
“It’s tough to choose just one as they are all fabulous at giving results. However one that always blows me away with its results is the Ultherapy. Not only does it do what it claims to, tighten and lift the skin at a much deeper level, there is no downtime associated with it. It continues to surprise us as the best results are achieved between three to six months lasting up to a year.”
Natasha Bennett has been in UAE for five years and translates the needs of her clients into scientifically driven treatments.
Describe your journey.
“Since its launch in 2010, the clinic has truly evolved and is recognised as a market leader. We are proud to have as our clients several influential and reputable individuals from UAE including journalists and social media influencers, and that for me is a sign of great success.”
How do you feel the beauty business has evolved in Dubai in the past decade?
“The aesthetics industry (as in our case) has really gathered pace especially within the last three years. We are seeing a surge in medical
tourism and this is being recognised by the Dubai Health Authority as well as by the international medical community. Many reputed doctors and surgeons are choosing to operate out of Dubai, either by relocating fully or as visiting consulting surgeons and this is a great sign of progress for the region. The influx of newer technologies, beauty and aesthetic brands validates that Dubai is the market to be present in. Dubai is no longer just a holiday destination; it is now a serious player in the global beauty market.”
Of your repertoire of treatments, if you had to suggest only one, what would that be and why?
“AFT, which is Advanced Fluorescent Technology, is one of our star treatments. It is suitable for almost every skin type and age. It can treat every condition – sun damage, broken veins, lines and wrinkles and is one of the best treatments on the market for delaying the aging process.”
Negin Fattahi- Dasmal established her brand based on a combination of pure gut instinct and a desire to raise the standards of grooming in the region to a whole new and unprecedented level.
What was the key motivator for you to initially embark upon your brand?
“Upon returning from LA, a place synonymous with glamor and innovative beauty services, I spotted a blatant gap in the Middle Eastern market. In Dubai, during the 1990s, you were faced with two lessthan-appealing options that forced the client to compromise her experience. You either compromised on quality and service and visited a very low-end salon that offered a lot of services, delivered in a care-free manner, at a very low cost or you opted for a five star hotel that would offer an over-thetop, spa-like experience, at an inflated price. Inspired by the nail bars I frequented in LA, I set about reinventing the concept with a new twist, I developed something that was previously unavailable in the Middle East – the N.Bar brand. What made us different was my focus; I wanted to provide an affordable and efficient service but with the level of quality, hygiene, and attention to detail you would expect from a five star hotel, our staff are friendly and polite and have the greatest technical ability.”
How do you feel the beauty business has evolved in Dubai in the past decade?
“Beauty and Dubai work in synergy. As the city has grown, so has the size of the grooming industry. When you think of Middle Eastern women you think about glamor; grooming is a way of life for these ladies and with so many options now readily available we are when it comes to maintaining and upholding our original promise of hygiene, quality and service – this is what keeps our clients returning for more.”
Of your repertoire of treatments, if you had to suggest only one, what would that be and why?
“Of course it’s difficult to choose just one, our treatments and services are carefully selected to complement one another and offer a holistic approach to grooming! If I were to select just one service it would have to be the Essential Manicure and Pedicure at N.Bar. The N.Bar philosophy is ‘Fast Glamour For Nails’ and this signature service embodies just that, it provides the essential nail service that we all need but with the injection of N.Bar glamour that our clients all know and love!”
Shabana Karim has been in UAE’s beauty industry since 2002 and is the go-to expert for nails and hair.
What was the key motivator for you to initially embark upon your brand?
“The Nail Spa and Marquee are totally home grown concepts that I am extremely proud of. Coming from a family of entrepreneurs I always dreamt that one day I would own my own business but I could never have envisioned it would grow to the extent we have today. I owe it all to the people who have been involved in every process and decision making along the way, and the amazing and truly loyal client
base we have gained and sustained.”
How do you feel the beauty business has evolved in Dubai in the past decade?
“Clients have become more discerning and expectations have grown. Convenience now plays a big factor in how clients view beauty. We have managed to raise the beauty bar meeting and continually trying to exceed expectations.”
Of your repertoire of treatments, if you had to suggest only one, what would that be and why?
“That is an extremely hard question – each and every one of our services has been painstakingly created and lovingly delivered – so it’s a difficult choice!”
Patricia Kerr has been in the industry in Dubai for 12 years and has a sharp eye for enhancing the natural features of a woman and making them more beautiful.
What was the key motivator for you to initially embark upon your brand?
“The Long Time Liner (LTL) brand was about enhancing natural features rather than changing them. To me, less is more and I found this natural type of result was missing from the market in Dubai. It was a great opportunity to introduce it here.”
How do you feel the beauty business has evolved in Dubai in the past decade?
“Watching a family beauty business start 24 years ago, not everything was readily available in the market, but over the years this has changed and I find that Dubai has become a pioneer for beauty treatments and everything is now available. The health authorities have also
introduced stricter laws over the years which have mostly eliminated any unqualified persons from performing in the industry.”
Of your repertoire of treatments, if you had to suggest only one, what would that be and why?
“I would choose Eyebrow Micropigmention. Eyebrows frame the face and make such a huge difference adding symmetry; I love the transformation it gives even with a subtle change.”
Sidra Bilal Zia has been in the industry since 2010 and has a passion for helping people with their look.
Describe your journey.
“We always wanted to be close to our roots and family who are primarily settled in Pakistan. In 2006, my husband got the opportunity to move to Dubai with a bank and we have been here ever since. I’m an entrepreneur and I also head up an Aesthetic department. The success of it has been a lot of hard work and dedication.”
How do you feel the beauty business has evolved in Dubai in the past decade?
“Dubai has certain energy about it. It has a great social and cosmopolitan scene, no matter where one goes, you’ll see different people from all walks of life. The beauty industry is gaining popularity in Dubai. As different methods of anti-aging and skin care arise, it has become a great opportunity to promote business in addressing not only women but also mens skin care in all age groups.”
Of your repertoire of treatments, if you had to suggest only one, what would that be and why?
“I suggest Mesotherapy and LDM Facial treatment.”
