Satellite Voices

Dubai

Inside/Out: Mohammed Sultan Al Habtoor

August 15, 2011

City inspirations with the flamboyant designer and entrepreneur

• Text by Kate Hazell

Nicknamed the Henry Holland of the Middle East, Mohammed Sultan Al Habtoor is a whirlwind of creativity stirring up Dubai's scene. He talks to Satellite Voices about his fashion line and his home city.

Satellite Voices: What’s your occupation... a) during the day & b) at night?
Mohammed Sultan Al Habtoor: By day I’m superman and by night I’m a shape shifter. Kidding. My jobs have varied along the years but right now I’m an entrepreneur hoping to expand and build an empire out of it. I have been called a visionary, an artist, a philanthropist and many others. With all this I came up with a concept by creating my own t-shirt brand which is called "House of glaMO" and our activities seem to fall under these many job titles and occupations that I have been given. But at the end of the day when I come home, I am a son a brother and human being like everyone else.

SV: How would you describe yourself in one sentance?
Mohammed Sultan Al Habtoor: I see myself as a person who is born to lead and open locked doors. A true born leader.

SV: Where in Dubai do you live and what inspires you about that area of town?
Mohammed Sultan Al Habtoor: I live in Jumiera and have been here all my life. The inspirations that surround the area are the beautiful beaches, the charm it holds with all the concept boutiques, shops, restaurants and galleries that are close by and watching it all happen in front of me through the years is extremely inspiring. It is the treasure of Dubai.

SV: How long have you lived in your city and brought you there?
Mohammed Sultan Al Habtoor: I have lived in Dubai all my life. Although I have travelled all over the world and lived in London to finish my studies.

SV: What does Dubai mean to you?
Mohammed Sultan Al Habtoor: Home is where the heart is. Dubai means everything to me. It made me the man I am today that you see by your very own eyes.

SV: What does Ramadan mean to you? What are planning on doing this month?
Mohammed Sultan Al Habtoor: The Holy Month of Ramadan is such a beautiful month which entails doing good for yourself and others. It is a month that brings everyone together, be it family friends acquaintances and more new friends. It’s a month of giving and getting in touch with yourself and your faith. I try to be like this throughout the year of course adding the fasting factor during this month. It cleanses you inside out making you a new person by the time the Eid commences.

SV: Can you talk about the best creative youth cultures in your town?
Mohammed Sultan Al Habtoor: I have seen many creative youths come about in the most recent years in Dubai as the concept of a culture hub has taken off in the UAE. I am also part of this ever growing hub. There are many varieties in this domain be it Film, Art Fashion and so. Too many to count from. But i am keeping an eye out for the new generation as i see it to be very promising especially with my fellow Nationals.

SV: What are your plans for the weekend?
Mohammed Sultan Al Habtoor: My plan this weekend is to get more work done and spend as much time as possible with friends and family.