“I don’t think there are many cities around the world that encourage & celebrate entrepreneurs in the same way Dubai does.” Interview with Claire Ferris Lay, Marketing and Communications for FIVE Hospitality
- What made you want to move to Dubai and how long have you lived here?
I moved to Dubai 13 years ago on a complete whim. Looking back, I was either pretty brave or stupid! I had never even visited the city before, I didn’t have a job and I only knew only one or two people. I’m not sure I would do the same thing now so quickly!
- What was you first job?
A reporter on an interior design magazine called Commercial Interior Design at ITP. Within six months, I moved to Arabian Business magazine, where I stayed for seven years. I learned so much while I was at ITP. I was always out and about at a press conference, writing stories and interviewing everyone from some of the region’s biggest businessmen and women to the likes of Kim Kardashian and Tom Ford. It was great fun!
After so long on one publication, I decided it was time to for a new challenge so I joined a PR agency. Many of the people I had interviewed at Arabian Business became my clients and my ex colleagues, the reporters I pitched to. The story telling and writing skills I learned at Arabian Business have stood me in good stead throughout my career.
- What’s your job role now?
I am now the Marketing and Communications for FIVE Hospitality, which operates FIVE Palm Jumeirah, FIVE Jumeirah Village and our sub dining and nightlife brands, including Maiden Shanghai, Soul Street and The Penthouse.
FIVE was actually my first client when I went to work in PR. Unlike many of the other multinational clients I worked with at the time, at FIVE I reported directly to the Chairman, Kabir Mulchandani, and CEO, Aloki Batra. I got a real insight into their passion and vision for the brand. Most of our meetings would take place on the building site of what is now FIVE Palm Jumeirah, both of them wearing a hard hat and overseeing the development of their first hotel like it was their baby. It was so different to the other boardroom meetings I would have with other clients.
After three years working with FIVE on the agency side, I moved in-house to oversee corporate communications for what was then the development side of the company. Over the last three years, FIVE has evolved into a lifestyle hospitality, dining and nightlife company.
I work with an incredibly talented and young team overseeing marketing and communications for FIVE Palm Jumeirah and FIVE Jumeirah Village and the sub brands. Every day is completely different. One day I might be in a revenue meeting, the next I’ll be tasting food for a new menu or working with our creative team for new campaign, and in the evening, I’ll be on the dancefloor at The Penthouse.
At FIVE, we’re passionate about what we do. Working for a small company means you are able to roll your sleeves up and learn things you might not have otherwise done so. When I look back at the last four years, we’ve had some incredible achievements. I don’t think we’re show any signs of slowing down any time soon!
- Any tips for girls wanting to find work?
Get out and about in the city. You are more likely to find a job through a friend of a friend than through a recruiter. Embrace Dubai’s “can do” attitude. I don’t think there are many cities around the world that encourage and celebrate entrepreneurs in the same way Dubai does. A know a lot of people who have fast tracked their careers and launched their own businesses by take advantage of it.
- How did you find accommodation and do you have any recommendations for first time movers?
Try not to commit to anything long term until you’ve settled into the city. When you do know, go and talk to the doormen and security guards in the buildings you want to live in – they always know what is available and the price you should be paying.
- What’s your recommendations on best places to get your hair and make-up done?
Fortunately, Say Hair is located at FIVE Palm Jumeirah – it’s always my go to place for blow dries and nails. Mia at N Bar, Grosvenor House, has been doing my brows for years and is amazing. For spray tans, Menal Mizyed will come to your house and spray you in a matter of minutes, and for makeup Angelique Turner is the best. At the moment, she’s got some great master classes going on for those who want to learn how to do their own makeup.
- Favorite clothing stores?
Zara (of course!) and a lot of online stores such as ASOS and Never Fully Dressed. Every so often I splurge on something special from Net a Porter.
- What local brands do you support?
@manel_celebritytanner
@angeliqueturner
@limelightjewellery – locally based jewellery designer
- Favorite ladies night brunch and ladies day
Both of our hotels have amazing offers for ladies throughout the week. One of my faves is our Maiden Shanghai ladies night every Wednesday. For AED150, you can enjoy a three-course meal and three drinks – it’s a great place for dinner with girlfriends. We have the same offer at Cinque, our Italian restaurant every Monday, and we have just launched Pablo’s Taco Tuesdays at Soul Street in FIVE Jumeirah Village – who doesn’t love a good taco!?
- What do you do when you’re not working and partying?
Fitness is a part of my routine that I couldn’t live without. Not only does it keep me fit but it boosts energy levels and gets the endorphins going. I also use it as a healthy way to catch up with girlfriends. My friends and I have a group workout once a week at Instabody at FIVE Jumeirah Village, or we might go for a run on the track on Palm Jumeirah or Dubai Marina. A few years ago, I did the Dessert Warrior Challenge and since then I’ve done a few similar challenges like Spartan and Tough Mudder.
I love nothing more than a city break with lots of walking, shopping and lazy lunches, and I’m a bit of a book worm.
- Any tips for ladies wanting to move to Dubai
Do it!
- Dos and don’t’s
Do
- Get out and meet people. Dubai is such a sociable city – it’s a great place to meet people from different cultures and backgrounds.
- Travel! Dubai is a hub to so many great countries you can visit in a weekend.
Don’t
- Don’t forget Dubai is a transient city and it’s not unusual for friends to become like family and then suddenly leave. The only plus point to this is that after a few years in Dubai, you’ll have friends all over the world.
- A sensible one! I’ve seen so many people come to Dubai with good intentions to save money and then end up having to borrow money for their return flight home because they’ve racked up a load of debt. The chances are, you are probably earning more money here than you were at home so save a bit of it.