Interview with Mohammed Sadiq Dawani
Mohammed Sadiq Dawani
A little over ten years ago there were few international fashion brands in Bahrain and the Yateem Centre was the largest shopping complex in the Kingdom. Al Jazira was there then, are here now and have no plans to move anywhere but up.
Are you surprised by how far Bahrain has progressed in the last few years?
I have seen Bahrain grow in all respects; from infrastructure development to its becoming an international financial hub. Not only has retail business grown but all aspects of international business growth can be seen in Bahrain. The concept of ‘The Mall’ has changed the outlook of the people here and Bahrain can be equated with the most advanced countries in the world.
How has Al Jazira changed over the years?
The focus of Al Jazira has kept apace with the changing economy. We have developed from a small cold store to a unique supermarket brand. Our vision is to become the leading retail and distribution business group and we will achieve this through employing the right manpower and streamlining our internal policies to face any challenges.
What does it take to keep a business competitive?
You must have the right manpower and infrastructure. Having this right in areas such as telecommunications, quality control and hygiene standards is what has helped us grow.
How important is fashion to your plans?
Strengths and Weaknesses
I am an extremely outgoing person, very sociable. Whilst I try to delegate as much as possible, I will always monitor what has been delegated so I know what is happening. I am always committed to being in three places at once. That is a weakness, I suppose. I hate saying no to people.
Ambitions and Regrets
My ambition now is to retire and go and see the world all over again. I have travelled before of course but in my retirement I will see it at my leisure. I regret nothing really other than I wish that my wife was still alive. Frank Sinatra sang, ‘Regrets, I have had a few, but then again, too few to mention’, and that seems apt.
What makes you angry?
Lies. I will not suffer deception.
What makes you happy?
I am happiest surrounded by the ones I love; my friends and family.
Who is, or has been, your hero?
I had an Arabic teacher when I was eleven whom I looked up to a great deal. My father died when I was very young, I suppose this teacher took on some of his qualities.
Fashion is currently a small percentage of our total business but we are optimistic about it.
How does the fashion business differ from Al Jazira’s other concerns?
It doesn’t. Al Jazira has always emphasised quality and customer satisfaction and these have carried over to the fashion division.
Does the average citizen really care about fashion?
Of course! Though Bahrain is a conservative country, the majority of men and women dress very fashionably.
Why did you choose to launch your fashion brand F2K in Al Murjan Centre rather than at an established outlet such as Seef Mall?
At Al Murjan Centre we wanted to start with some multi-brand concepts. However, we have seen that these brands are getting more and more popular and we might go for franchise stores. F2K is a platform for testing brands. Established malls sometimes are biased towards certain brands; in my opinion, they do not always get it right.
What new brands will we be seeing in the next year or so?
We are currently working on French fashions for ladies and on a new kids-wear brand from Germany.
What do you think of the trend towards celebrity clothing lines?
Acquiring Hollywood star-labels has become a common phenomenon with many fashion brands. These may prove successful in Europe and America but in the Middle East it is more the quality of the merchandise and price combined with a new look that sells. I like the idea of fashion endorsed by stars but will not blindly go for it.
Should Bahrain be actively promoting modelling, designing and the entertainment fields as a legitimate career for young people?
Bahrain is an Islamic country which should keep its culture. Fashion sometimes crosses a line and can lead to obscenity or provocation; this will not be tolerated by the majority of the population. This country needs more educated people to reach an international stature. Once this is achieved the other activities like modelling, designing and entertainment can be promoted.
Did you always know you would work in the family business?
We are a very close-knit family and even now the Al Jazira Group has only reached these heights due to the support and guidance of all the Directors. Though I am the Managing Director - over-seeing the day to day operations - I’m constantly in touch with all required members for guidance.
What was your first ambition in life?
My ambition in life was to be known as a businessman and a philanthropist. I always wanted to do something towards providing the necessary platform for skilled people to do their best and make a living for themselves.
What is your idea of heaven on earth?
Being in Al Jazira and with its employees where everybody is like one family gives me maximum happiness, which I feel is a heaven on earth.
What is the first thing you think of every morning?
After a good sound sleep when I wake up in the morning I start jotting down the action plans for the day. For me, financial planning for the day is very important as I consider finance to be the life blood of every business.
Motto by which you live your life
I don’t really have one. I just live my life one day at a time, ensuring that I learn something along the way.
Fondest memory
Remembering back to when I was a boy and trying my first cigarette always brings a smile to my face.
Inexcusable luxury
I don’t have any. The things that I buy are worth what I pay for them.
Favourites
Destination: Europe.
I can relax there, be myself, sometimes even my friends don’t recognise me.
Food: Thai.
There are some great restaurants in Bahrain and most of them know exactly what I like for lunch.
Car: I currently own an Audi A8, which I like.
Way to relax: Listening to classical music.
I don’t mind if it it’s Arabic or European; music has the power to transport me.
Star sign Aquarius